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A MEMOIR 



OF THE 



LIFE OF EDWAED STABLER, 



Late of Alexandria in the District of Columbia; 



WITH A COLLECTION OF HIS LETTERS. 



BY Ills SON, WILLIAM STABLER, 

w 



Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end 
of that man is peace. — Psalm xxxvii. v. 37. 



PHILADELPHIA: "^^ 

Printed by John Richards, 299 Market Street: 

And to be had of John Comly, Byberry, Philadelphia County; 

T. Ellwood Chapman, No. 74 North Fourth St., Philada.; 

Baker, Crane & Day, 158 Pearl St., New York; 

and Richard Plummer, Baltimore. 

1846. 



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«|5\ 



The writer of the following narrative having been 
favoured to receive instruction, both by precept and 
example, from the subject of it, during many years, 
had contemplated a work in some respects like the 
present, for the benefit of those of his brothers and 
sisters who were too young at the time of their father's 
death to appreciate his character, or understand his 
counsels. The prospect was entertained without a 
view to publication; but some of his friends desiring 
to possess such a memoir, and believing that it would 
be useful in a larger circle than the one at first pro- 
posed, suggested the propriety of suiting it to that end. 
Under this encouragement (which was often repeated) 
and the influence of strong attachment to the memory 
of a beloved parent, the following essay has been pro- 
duced. 

The materials for the account of the early part of 
his father's life, are chiefly drawn from the memory 
of his aunt, Deborah Stabler, who is now in her eighty- 
first year, and still retains a lively recollection of that 
period . The time spent by the writer in her company, 
reviewing the subject and selecting, by her aid, those 
particulars which were thought best calculated to form 



PREFACE. 



The writer of the following narrative having been 
favoured to receive instruction, both by precept and 
example, from the subject of it, during many years, 
had contemplated a work in some respects like the 
present, for the benefit of those of his brothers and 
sisters who were too young at the time of their father's 
death to appreciate his character, or understand his 
counsels. The prospect was entertained without a 
view to publication; but some of his friends desiring 
to possess such a memoir, and believing that it would 
be useful in a larger circle than the one at first pro- 
posed, suggested the propriety of suiting it to that end. 
Under this encouragement (which was often repeated) 
and the influence of strong attachment to the memory 
of a beloved parent, the following essay has been pro- 
duced. 

The materials for the account of the early part of 
his father's life, are chiefly drawn from the memory 
of his aunt, Deborah Stabler, who is now in her eighty- 
first year, and still retains a lively recollection of that 
period. The time spent by the writer in her company, 
reviewing the subject and selecting, by her aid, those 
particulars which were thought best calculated to form 



PREFACE. 



an interesting and instructing narrative, will long be 
affectionately remembered.* 

The object in preparing this work has been to do 
good: — and a hope has been entertained, that many 
reflecting minds will be able to receive the truth for 
its own beauty, and draw consolation from the expe- 
rience of a fellow-traveller. Some of the views, how- 
ever, may be different from those held by others; but 
if they correspond with experience, and produce con- 
viction of the truth, let them not be rejected; for truth 
is of greater importance than the opinions of men, or 
any systems of human invention, how much soever 
they may be venerated for their antiquity, and their 
acceptance with mankind. 

W. S. 
Alexandria, D. C, l^th wo. 1844 



* Deborah Stabler, above named, departed this life on the 27th 
of 6th month, 1845, in the eighty-second year of her age, retaining 
her understanding and peaceful tranquilHty to the last moment. 
She had been a member of Sandy Spring meeting of Friends, for 
about fifty-two years, and a minister of the gospel more than forty 
years. For several months previous to her decease, her bodily 
powers gradually declined; during which time, she often said she 
believed the period of her departure was near at hand: and in view 
of the solemn change, she always spoke in a manner affording the 
clearest evidence and full assurance, that, although during a long 
life she had been subjected to many close trials, and deeply prov- 
ing baptisms, she was now prepared, with joy unspeakable, " to 

join the assembly of the just made perfect." 

T. P. S. 



The folloiving Memorial concerning Edward Stabler, 
was read in, and approved hy Baltimore Yearly Meet- 
ing of Friends, held in the 10th month, 1831. 

Edward Stabler was born at Petersburg, in Vir- 
ginia, on the 28th day of the 9th month, 1769. Having 
early in life yielded to the refining and regulating in- 
fluences of Divine love, by its operation his spiritual 
vision became purged from those mists which consti- 
tute that delusive medium, through which things of an 
evanescent and unsubstantial nature, are, in our view, 
vested with the attributes of permanency and solid 
value, — and was directed singly to that light which 
makes manifest; and which, by detecting the fallacy, 
enables us to distinguish between what is essentially 
good, and that which is evil. Having reduced the 
principles which he adopted, to the test of experience, 
and finding that they were of efficacy sufficient to sus- 
tain him, and of power enough to maintain their integ- 
rity and authority over the soul, " he staggered not at 
the promises of God through unbelief, but was strong 
in the faith, giving glory to God.'' He ventured his 
all upon them; and by a steadfast adherence to the 
eternal and immutable principles of Truth, he witness- 
ed a solid establishment on that which stands indepen- 
dent of the wisdom and contrivances of men. 
1* 



O MEMORIAL. 

In the gradual progress of discovery, he became sen- 
sible of the absolute necessity of investigating things 
for himself, and of knowing their certainty from the 
evidence of those internal senses, by which Divine and 
spiritual objects are apprehended, weighed, and appre- 
ciated. His acquaintance with the scriptures was ex- 
tensive; for he had studied them diligently, and was 
mainly concerned to bring to this study the requisite 
qualification for prosecuting it successfully, — an honest 
desire to read them in that light which alone is able to 
give a right understanding of them. Having thus 
early entered into the school of Christ, and having 
been a diligent scholar in the course of instruction, he 
became obedient to his teacher; and in due time he so 
unreservedly yielded obedience to the great primary 
law of the institution, viz. the law of love, — that the 
exercise of that principle appeared ever after to con- 
stitute the leading feature in his character. 

Endowed by nature with a clear, comprehensive, and 
discriminating mind, capable of weighing evidence, — 
when objects were presented to his view accompa- 
nied by testimony sufficient to establish their nature, 
the first step, in the conclusions of such a mind, was to 
embrace the Truth in the love of it; the next, to do 
what was required. Having ascertained for himself, 
that the path of safety was the way of the cross, he 
turned a deaf ear to the alluring calls and solicitations 
of the honours, the pleasures and amusements, which 
the world presents. Heshunned not the burden of that 
restraining Power, which, when faithfully borne, ope- 
rates as a salutary check upon that indulgence of the 



MEMORIAL. 7 

affections and lusts, which is inconsistent with the even 
tenor of the life of a follower of Christ — a relation to 
the holy Head of the church, in which it was the chief 
labour of his life to stand, — not by the exercise of a 
heated zeal for dogmas and opinions, but by a faithful 
submission to the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus 
our Lord, which Paul said had set Mm " free from the 
law of sin and death,'^ and which will emancipate 
every soul that yields to its dominion, from the de- 
grading servitude of sin and corruption. 

Having, in this manner, submitted to the baptizing 
power of Truth, and suffered his mind to be gradually 
trained to obedience under the discipline of the cross, 
he became prepared for the Master's use; and feel- 
ing a necessity laid upon him, to declare to others 
" what the Lord had done for his soul," he made his 
first appearance in the ministry, in the thirty-seventh 
year of his age. His communications and testimonies 
were clear and perspicuous, and well calculated to 
fix the attention of those to whom they w^ere address- 
ed. He possessed a rare felicity in elucidating and 
enforcing those deeply interesting views of Divine and 
spiritual truths, which were opened in his own mind. 
He was no less happy in his illustrations of scripture. 
These were always rational and instructive, and, not 
seldom, luminous and attractive. Nor was his use- 
fulness as a testimony-bearer to the Truth, confined 
to public occasions. His colloquial powers, in the 
private circle, were of the first order; and his amiable 
disposition, his bland and gentle manners, opened for 
him a wide avenue to the hearts and affections of the 



8 MEMORIAL. 

young. To these, his conversation, which generally 
turned upon subjects of a deeply interesting charac- 
ter, proposed in a manner suitable to their age and 
understanding, — was peculiarly attractive; and which, 
being accompanied by an evidence of affectionate love 
and regard for the tender lambs of the flock, rendered 
the impression irresistible. 

There is a cloud of living witnesses who can testify 
to the pure and evangelical nature of his ministry; 
calling the people from names to tilings, — from the 
empty shadow to the living substance. Actuated by 
the spirit and love of the gospel, — the distinguishing 
mark of true discipleship, which knows no distinction 
of sects or parties, — he was induced frequently to 
leave his temporal concerns, and travel extensively 
in the ministry; in which service, his labours were 
very acceptable to those for whose sake they were 
undertaken. In the exercise of his gift in the minis- 
try, one great object was, to impress the minds of his 
hearers with the importance of examining things for 
themselves, — of attending to their own experience, — 
of reading over and over the leaves of their own lives, 
which were always open before them; that this ex- 
amination, honestly undertaken and faithfully prose- 
cuted in that ^^ light which makes manifest," would 
result in a clear view of the distinction between good 
and evil, accompanied by a full conviction, that the 
one always blesses, and the other as uniformly tor- 
ments. There being but one Source of good, every 
thing that blesses, or produces good, must proceed 
from it. In all his communications, he quoted largely 



MEMORIAL. 9 

from the scriptures, which he fully believed to have 
been written by holy men, as they were inspired by 
the Holy Spirit. 

His belief in the Divinity of Christ, the Son of God 
and sent of the Father, and his indispensable agency 
in the redemption of man, was unqualified. That 
'' Christ is the wisdom of God, and the power of 
God," — that the operation of this power is unlimited, 
either by time or space. — "Before Abraham was, I 
am." — "It is the Spirit that quickeneth, the flesh 
profiteth nothing:" and that "if any man have not 
the spirit of Christ, he is none of his," — are scripture 
testimonies, to which he not only yielded a full assent, 
but could set his seal, from the evidence within him- 
self, that these testimonies were true. He was very 
fully impressed with the scripture declaration, that 
" God is love;" and that all the dealings of God to 
man, are in love. " God so loved the world, that he 
gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever belie veth 
in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." 
True Gospel love extends to enemies; — "' to love our 
neighbours as ourselves;" — and to "do unto others as 
we would that they should do unto us." In a word, 
" Love is the fulfilling of the law." 

We who have been witnesses of his labours, — of 
his valuable services, and of his blameless life,-— have 
thought it right to put upon record a short memorial 
of this our beloved friend, now removed from amongst 
us, that the younger portion of the present generation, 
and those who may succeed them, may be encouraged 
to emulate his example, and come forth as standard- 



10 MEMORIAL* 

bearers in the cause of Truth and righteousness, in 
their day, as he did in his. To whomsoever he was 
known, (and he was very generally known to the 
body of Friends in this country,) to many of us, par- 
ticularly, who have for a long series of years been 
his cotemporaries and intimately acquainted with 
him, — his memorial is already written, engraved on 
the living tablets of our hearts and affections, in char- 
acters deeper and more indelible than the pen of mor- 
tal can trace. 

He was diligent in the attendance of meetings 
established in the order of Society, and concerned to 
encourage others to increased faithfulness in the dis- 
charge of this important duty. The last communica- 
tion which he delivered, was a very impressive one, 
on the importance of silence; enforcing the doctrine 
by appropriate scripture authorities. 

Within the circle of his own family, his deportment 
was marked by obedience to the same blessed princi- 
ple, that actuated him when more immediately before 
the eyes of the world. The emotions of a temper 
naturally ardent, often occasioned him close trials and 
conflicts of feeling; but which he was enabled to re- 
strain by the controlling influences of Divine grace. 
His carriage towards every member of his family, 
both as a husband and a parent, — was exceedingly 
affectionate and exemplary; and showed that his aim 
was to promote their happiness, as far as it was in 
his power. He secured the affections of his children 
while their minds were yet tender, by the principle 
of Love; and when their understandings became suf- 



MEMORIAL. 11 

ficiently matured, he endeavoured to urge upon them 
every motive which could influence a rational mind, 
to pursue that course of conduct and faithfulness of 
which he was himself so bright an example. 

The last meeting he attended was very small, and 
silent. At the close of it, he remarked to a friend, 
that he would be willing to go and sit there, as long 
as any one should be left to sit with him; the openings 
of Divine Truth upon his mind, that day, had been 
so precious. 

In his last sickness, his mind was in a sweet and 
resigned state; and at one time he was observed to 
close his supplication to the Throne of grace, with 
these words: ^^ Thy will be done.^^ 

His useful and exemplary life was terminated at 
Alexandria, D. C. on the 18th of the 1st month, 1831^ 
in the sixty- second year of his age. 



M E M I U . 



Edward Stabler, the father of the subject of this 
memoir, was born near York in England of worthy- 
parents who belonged to the Society of Friends, and 
from whom he received a guarded and virtuous edu- 
cation. When he came to the age of twenty-one 
years, he resolved (for the benefit of a delicate con- 
stitution) to remove to America; which object he ac- 
complished in the year 1753. At first he resided in 
Philadelphia, but afterwards on a visit to the town 
of Petersburg in Virginia, he was so well pleased 
with the advantages afforded by the latter place, as 
to make it his permanent home. No Friends then 
resided in Petersburg; but he diligently attended the 
nearest meeting of the Society, which was held at the 
distance of twelve miles. 

In the course of a short time after his settlement, 
he connected himself in marriage with Mary Robin- 
son, of Chester near Philadelphia. They had six 
children; Edward, Ann, Ann, Mary, William, and 
Edward. The first two died when young. The 
second Ann w^as married to Samuel Hough; and 
Mary, to Mahlon Hough; — both of Loudoun county, 
in Virginia. William married Deborah; and Ed- 



14 MEMOIR OF EDWARD STABLER. 

ward, Mary; both daughters of Thomas Pleasants, of 
Beaverdam, Goochland county, in the same State. 

From letters still preserved in the family, and the 
recollections of those who knew him, we learn that 
our worthy ancestor sustained with zeal and affection 
through life, the relations of son, husband, parent and 
friend. The following dutiful expressions are found 
in a letter addressed to his father, upon his arrival 
in this country : " Dear Father, though we are far 
separated in body, yet thou art present with me in 
mind, and I hope distance will not abate my affec- 
tion for thee. I am so far very well satisfied with 
my change, and desire I may always have my de- 
pendance upon that Arm that has hitherto helped and 
preserved me, and is still able to support me through 
the future scenes of this life. I am not able to say 
a great deal at this time, but my love is as great as 
if I had expressed it in more words. I hope I shall 
always retain a sense of thy great care and affection 
towards me from a child; and I am affected in the 
remembrance thereof with a sense of the many evils 
I should have run into, if I had not been prevented 
by thy kind oversight: for though thy counsels and 
good advice seemed at times to have little place with 
me, yet afterwards I found them like bread cast upon 
the waters that returned after many days." 

In 1759, when addressing three relatives whom he 
empowered to act in his place as Executor of his 
father's Will, he writes thus: ^* Being very sensible 
that the death of my dear father will be a great loss 
to the poor of Gate Fuiford, I would have forty 



MEMOIR OF EDWARD STABLER. 15 

pounds more given to them, to be distributed by the 
same persons mentioned in the Will; also forty pounds 
to poor Friends within the verge of York monthly 
meeting." 

The cares of extensive mercantile business, in 
which he was many years engaged, did not hinder 
him from being an active and useful member of the 
Society of Friends, among whom he became an ap- 
proved minister. 

Edward, the youngest child of Edward and Mary 
Stabler, was born in Petersburg on the 28th day of 
the 9th month, 1769. Until the time of his mother's 
death in the 12tk month, 1780, when he was eleven 
years old, little is known of his life; but, through the 
careful attentions of his parents, he was preserved in 
comparative innocence. About this early period of 
his age, he was occupied at times with the considera- 
tion of his state of being in this world, and his posi- 
tion in relation to his fellow-beings. He has often 
recounted for the instruction of his children, a cir- 
cumstance w^hich called forth the painful exercise of 
his judgment when he was about eight years old. 
Among his associates at school, was a boy of extraor- 
dinary powers in the art of pleasing his companions. 
His company was sought by all. He entertained 
them with diverting stories and remarks, and led them 
on from one amusement to another, encouraging their 
progress by the high zest with which he enjoyed the 
recreation himself. Feeling a strong desire to be 
thus admired, the subject of this memoir asked his 



16 MEMOIR OF EDWARD STABLER. 

mother why " the good man^^ had not made him like 
this little boy? His parent endeavoured to represent 
the ease so as to satisfy his mind; but the disparity 
of which he complained, was too painfully evident to 
admit of explanation by any means less impressive 
than the circumstances which had called it into no- 
tice. This means was afforded by a dream. In the 
course of a train of visionary events natural to the 
mind of a child, he saw this boy amusing a company 
of evil spirits who had made him prisoner. Being 
himself within the grasp of one of these horrid crea- 
tures, he lamented bitterly the want of faculties like 
those possessed by his little friend, which he now 
thought might save him from destruction: but he 
soon found them of no avail to his companion — for 
when the evil spirits ceased to be amused with his 
stories, they consigned him to the flames. In the 
dreadful expectation of a similar calamity, the young 
dreamer started from the arms of his enemy and 
effected his escape. 

On the morning after this dream, his mind was 
so deeply impressed with its awful circumstances, 
that on taking his usual seat at the feet of his mo- 
ther, he remained silent for some time. He was 
roused at length by the query of his affectionate pa- 
rent, whether he had heard of the death of little 
Jack Dennison? "No!" was the prompt and agita- 
ted reply — "when did he die?" Last night. An event- 
ful stillness followed this conversation, in which the 
little dreamer formed the noble resolution to cultivate 
his own powers, without coveting the qualifications 
of others. 



MEMOIR OF EDWARD STABLER. 17 

After the death of his mother, he and his brother 
were placed at the school of a Friend by the name 
of Benjamin Russell; at that time the most approved 
Friends' school in Virginia. Here they remained but 
a short period; for their father, on a journey to Phila- 
delphia, was so much pleased with a school at Pipe 
Creek, in the State of Maryland, kept by Joel Wright, 
that he removed his sons to that institution. At Pipe 
Creek they rem.ained a year or more; after which 
William was apprenticed to doctor John Thompson 
of Petersburg, Virginia, to learn the business of drug- 
gist and apothecary; and Edward was placed with 
his brother-in-law Mahion Hough, at Hillsborough in 
Loudoun county. Here he remained awhile, and after- 
wards resided with Samuel Hough, near Leesburg, 
who had married his sister Ann. During Edward's 
residence at Hillsborough, his father died; of whom 
he often spoke with much affection. 

The cause of his removal from the residence of 
his brother-in-law Mahion Hough, is worthy of note, 
as it exhibits his 4esire to pursue a virtuous life, and 
manifests the care of his brother William for his wel- 
fare. There was at Hillsborough a company of dis- 
solute men with whom he was in some measure 
obliged to associate, or avoid the society of young 
people. Flis brother trembled for him, and wrote a 
letter of salutary counsel, from the influence of which, 
in part, but mainly from his own convictions of pro- 
priety, he resolved to change his home. 

Having acquired ^me knowledge of the tanning 
business at Hillsborough, and now looking to the 
2* 



18 MEMOIR OF EDWARD STABLER. 

means of a future livelihood, it was judged expedi- 
ent by his friends that he should perfect himself in 
that trade; for which purpose he entered into the em- 
ployment of John Love, a Friend of York in Penn- 
sylvania. He was now between the sixteenth and 
eighteenth years of his age; and he spent a consider- 
able portion of the time until his twentieth year, in 
the service of this Friend. By diligent attention to 
his duties, he acquired a competent knowledge of the 
business, and was generously permitted by his em- 
ployer to leave him a year or more before he was 
of age. The sacrifice of interest on the part of John 
Love, is worthy of remembrance; and the motives of 
his pupil in desiring the favour, like those which had 
actuated him at Hillsborough, may be recorded for 
the imitation of other young persons. He was asso- 
ciated in his labours with hired hands and appren- 
tices, some of whom had been taken from the lower 
orders of society, where they had run into excesses, 
and become regardless of the obligations of morality 
and religion. From the company of such minds he 
desired to be released, and to breathe a moral at- 
mosphere of greater purity. So important did he 
consider the influence of this step upon his after life, 
that he has been heard to commemorate it as a " sig- 
nal blessing." 

During a year after his departure from York, he 
i^sided at Leesburg, in Virginia; and at the close of 
this period he made a visit to Beaverdam, to attend 
the marriage of his brother William with Deborah, 
the daughter of Thomas Pleasants. Being now^ in 



MEMOIR OF EDWARD STABLER. 19 

the buoyancy of youth, he enjoyed with more than 
common interest the congenial society he met with 
there; among whom was Mary, a younger daughter, 
who became the object of his warmest affection. It 
is worthy of remark, that the gentlest admonition 
was at any time sufficient to bring his mind to a 
proper balance, and save him from the unpleasant 
consequences which are often the result of an undue 
indulgence of strong feelings and an ardent imagina- 
tion. 

On the return of his bmther William, after his 
marriage, to the town of Leesburg, where he had 
been (for some time before) engaged in the drug 
business, Edward Stabler became a member of his 
family; by which means he enjoyed the society he 
loved, and found a business which he could pursue 
without the contaminating influence of low company. 
From the latter part of 1789 to the close of 1791, he 
spent his time in rendering assistance to his brother 
William. His leisure hours were now mostly em- 
ployed in the acquisition of knowledge of various 
kinds. He read all that he could meet with, which 
he thought likely to be improving, whether literary, 
scientific, historical, or religious. To the chasteness 
of his selections in reading and convei-sation, may be 
ascribed the excellence of those colloquial powers, 
which, united with an amiable disposition, rendered 
him through life a profitable and interesting associate. 
By the exercise of religious thoughtfulness and 
care, he had been preserved from the evils attend- 
ant on vulgarity and profaneness; but now, a new 



20 MEMOIR OF EDWARD STABLER. 

and more allui'ing danger presented itself in the at- 
tractions and dissipation of fashionable society. His 
sprightliness, eloquence, and knowledge, occasioned 
his company to be sought by many of this class; 
but the prudent advice of his sister, who had become 
acquainted with the delusive character of worldly 
greatness and human applause, was the means, 
through Divine aid, of preserving him from making 
a w^reck of his happiness. From the time of her 
marriage with his brother William, she had exer- 
cised over him the care of an elder sister; and as 
the counsels of a pious woman seldom fail deeply 
to impress a sensitive mind, this care w^as often of 
great value and importance to him. 

At the close of the period which we have been 
contemplating, he had acquired all the knowledge 
which could be obtained from the business of his bro- 
ther; and as he had stored his mind with further in- 
formation on the subjects it embraced, it was thought 
best by his friends and himself that he should look 
for a situation where he might commence business on 
his ow^n account. Among the many inducements to 
this step, the strongest was the desire to accomplish 
his marriage with Mary Pleasants. The intended con- 
nexion met with her father's approval; and although 
he was able to establish them comfortably, he pre- 
ferred that they should depend on their own exertions 
in procuring a livelihood, and therefore withheld his 
consent until his expected son-in-law had provided a 
home, together with a fair prospect of the means to 
support a family. This reserve, which delayed their 



MEMOIR OF EDWARD STABLER. 21 

marriage for some time, was the cause of unaffected 
sorrow to the two young people; but we may a little 
anticipate the course of events by observing, that 
when Edward Stabler had placed himself in a situa- 
tion to obtain his consent, Thomas Pleasants not only 
sanctioned the accomplishment of their wishes, but 
extended to them pecuniary assistance, and the coun- 
sels (which he could well do) of experience and wis- 
dom. 

Having no capital with which to commence busi- 
ness, Edward Stabler now determined to make a jour- 
ney into the lower part of Virginia, and through the 
State of North Carolina, to collect the fragments of 
an ample patrimonial estate which had been scatter- 
ed by the disasters of the revolutionary war. In this 
search, he spent six months unavailingly; but hard 
as his lot appeared, he has often since spoken of the 
disappointment as a blessing, because it occasioned 
him to depend chiefly upon his own exertions; and 
we may add, that it furnished employment for talents 
which, under other circumstances, instead of proving 
a benefit to himself and others, might have hurried 
him after the allurements of the world, and eventually 
plunged him into dissipation and crime. 

During this " exile," as he termed it, from the 
society of beloved relations, he thus gave utterance 
to the overflowings of his heart, in a letter to his bro- 
ther and his sister-in-law, dated the 19th of the 12th 
month, 1791 : " Since I left you, I have been very 
anxious for some information concerning your health 
and welfare, both of which I sincerely hope you may 



22 MEMOIR OF EDWARD STABLER. 

experience in fruition. The melancholy views which 
attended my sympathy for your distress, during my 
sister's illness, have been my constant companions 
since I left you, and will continue with me until I 
receive assurances of her recovery. What grim 
physicians, and yet what salutary ones, are afflictions! 
Were nothing but mirth, festivity and joy to present 
themselves to our senses, how soon would they grow 
insipid, and lose that exhilarating power which is so 
refreshing to our nature! The wisest of men has 
well said, that the house of mourning is better than 
the house of feasting. This doubtless he meant in 
a spiritual sense; and I think that to admit a moiety 
of the position, it will be a good recipe for temporal 
happiness. Retiring from the house of jollity into 
the mansions of sorrow, what an excellent lesson is 
taught us! I have at times wondered at the disso- 
luteness of men's morals and principles, when the 
great book of universal nature lies open before them, 
in which they might (if they would) read the infalli- 
ble consequences of those actions which spring from 
depraved principles. But, alas! I am guilty as well 
as they; and am also continually transgressing that 
law of Truth w^hich would guide me into the paths 
of virtue, and consequently of bliss. Whence does 
it come, or how is it that we thus daily run counter 
to every thing which is right? If a conviction of rea- 
son were sufficient to render us more circumspect, I 
should have been so long ere this; but reason is too 
weak a principle, too easily warped by the perverse 
affections of our imperfect nature, and ever too liable 



MEMOIR OF EDAVARD STABLER. 23 

to a bias in favour of what appears to us delightsome. 
/ have been told that the " internal principle of Divine 
informalion will guide me in all that is right. ^^ — I be- 
lieve it; hut this belief is nothing more than a convic- 
tion of reason, and I am convinced there must be more, 
I can justly say vnth the patriarch Job, '' I go for- 
ward, but he is not there; and backward, but I cannot 
perceive him,^\ Where then shall I look for him whom 
my soul would love, if he does not of himself become 
manifest? I would willingly, were it in my power, 
act consistently with the principles which I profess to 
be guided by, but which I am very ignorant of ex- 
cept in theory, and that, as I said before, will not 
do. I believe I am indebted for the revival of these 
feelings (which are not new to me) to the affection- 
ate advice of my sister, at the time I parted with her. 
It was not without its effect, though I am apprehen- 
sive that for want of a heart properly prepared for 
the reception and improvement of the truly pathetic 
and interesting advice which she then gave me, I 
have not profited by it so much as I might have 
done. 

Adieu! that peace and happiness may attend you, 
is the wish of your affectionate brother, 

Edward Stabler." 

The views on the subject of religion, expressed in 
the foregoing letter, with others of a like cast that 
will be found in the present narrative, may be inter- 
estingly compared with that enlightened and extend- 
ed prospect which was afterwards opened to his mind. 



24 MEMOIR OF EDWARD STABLER. 

Upon his return to Leesburg, it was decided that 
he should open a drug store in Alexandria; and as 
he felt a delicacy in asking aid from his intended 
father-in-law, he applied to his maternal uncle, Wil- 
liam Robinson of Philadelphia, to ol3tain a credit for 
him to the amount of a hundred pounds. This re- 
quest was promptly granted; and the relative who 
thus befriended him, had afterwards the satisfaction 
to find that his confidence had not been misplaced. 
Although Edward Stabler began his commercial life 
in a small and humble way, yet his situation for 
business was a good one; and he has since said, that 
in the first year he paid for his goods, and doubled 
his stock. On removing to his new home in the lat- 
ter part of 1792, he boarded with John Butcher and 
his wife, two valuable Friends, with whom he found 
himself shielded from the dangers attendant on living 
in a public house. In after time he recurred to the 
comfort and instruction which he had received in 
this family, as among the favors that had been dis- 
pensed to him. These Friends were richly entitled 
not onl}^ to his gratitude, but that of nearly all the 
young men of the Society of Friends who settled about 
that time in Alexandria; for, without reference to pe- 
cuniary emolument, these good people took them into 
their family as a means of protection from the dan- 
gers and snares which beset the paths of youth. 

A circumstance in the life of John Butcher, which 
he related for the instruction of the subject of this 
memoir, will furnish evidence of his fatherly care. 



MEMOIR OF EDWARD STABLER. 25 

The impression which it produced upon the mind of 
the latter, was powerful and lasting. This Friend 
was among the first of the Society who settled at Al- 
exandria, where he commenced his career in business 
with industry and honesty, as his principal capital. 
He soon obtained a standing which attracted the notic 
of some persons of the highest rank in the commu- 
nity, by one of whom he w^as invited to attend a 
meeting of a Literary Club. The subject of discus- 
sion on this evening was, The Christian Religion; 
and against it were arrayed several persons of the 
first order for talents and acquirements. Hostile ar- 
guments, insinuations, and other weapons of skilful 
debate, were used with so much earnestness and 
force against the truth of this Divine gift to man, that 
the judgment of the visiter was, for the time, thrown 
from its balance. Captivated by specious eloquence, 
he imagined that he had hitherto lived under a delu- 
sion, and he now wondered that neither himself nor 
his friends had detected the imposture. Whilst reason- 
ing thus, a secret voice, as distinctly uttered to his un- 
derstanding as if his ears had heard the sound, warned 
him to beware. "Reflect maturely before deciding on 
this subject," it appeared to say. ''Thou art acquaint- 
ed with the good fruits of the christian religion in the 
lives of many of thy friends; if the products of skepti- 
cism, and obedience to the dictates of unenlightened 
reason, be better than these, then give them the pre- 
ference, but not before." The authority with w^hich 
this caution impressed itself upon his mind — which was 
doubtless a Divine intimation — dispelled all thought of 
3 



^6 MEMOIR OF EDWARD STABLER. 

opposition, and determined him to subject the matter to 
this rigid scrutiny. As he moved along afterwards in 
the quiet observance of his duties, he watched the con- 
duct of those men whose intellectual power had nearly- 
warped him from the right way; and he saw them, in 
continuation of their course, descend step by step in 
the downward path, until each one came to a WTetched 
end. 

Between the settlement of Edward Stabler in Alex- 
andria and the time of his marriage, no other event 
worthy of particular notice, has come to our know- 
ledge. He spent this period in diligent application to 
his business, which from its fluctuations w^as the 
cause by turns of hope and discouragement, — and 
he was also diligent in adding to his stores of useful 
knowledge. His company was sought by many of 
the intelligent and respectable inhabitants of the town, 
and enticements were often thrown in his way to de- 
part from the narrow path of self-denial, which in 
his mind was the path of duty. 

Believing that the right time for the accomplish- 
ment of his marriage was now drawing near, he thus 
sought the advice of his brother and sister in a letter 
dated the 5th of the 9th month, 1793: " To you whose 
advices have ever appeared to be the genuine dic- 
tates of affection, I apply for instruction in an emer- 
gency which, as it is to me most momentous because 
the w^elfare of my greatest earthly treasure depends 
upon it, — requires that I act from wise counsel, for 
fear that I may be led by distrust on the one side, 
or a sanguine disposition on the other, to act incon- 



MEMOIR OF EDWARD STABLER. 27 

sistently with what may be productive of advantage 
to her and myself. The greatest impediment to our 
union which has hitherto appeared, seems now in 
part to be done away. I am flattered with the hope 
that my business will produce sufficient for a comfort- 
able maintenance; and, though the time has been 
when I thought I should not sit down satisfied with 
less than the elegancies of life, I am now so far hum- 
bled as to feel thankful for those things which are 
necessary, and to wait until industry, co-operating 
with the good pleasure of my Creator, shall bestow 
on me all that is wanting." 

It may here be remarked, that by assiduous atten- 
tion to his business, seeking in this humble state of 
mind to benefit his fellow creatures while he made a 
living for his family, he was successful, and the dew 
of Heavenly good ceased not to rest upon him. 

On the 28th of the 2nd month, 1794, the event so 
ardently desired was accomplished, with the approba- 
tion of all who were concerned in the welfare of the 
parties. 

Under the new and exhilarating inducements which 
now existed for the right exertion of his powers, he 
applied himself with greater diligence to the perform- 
ance of all his duties. Prosperity, which in well 
regulated society is mostly attendant on industry, 
integrity, and prudence, as we have observed, was 
his reward; and this attracted the attention of men 
of capital, by one of whom an offer was made to him 
which deserves, with its sequel, to be recorded. The 
individual alluded to offered him the use of a large 



28 MEMOIR OF EDWARD STABLER. 

sum of money, for which he required no security; 
and he also relinquished the right to a voice in its 
management, only expecting as a remuneration one 
half of the profits on this amount. In one aspect, 
the offer was a very tempting one. Edward Stabler 
was engaged at the time in a lively trade, in which 
more capital than he possessed might have been pro- 
fitably employed; and the confidence placed in his 
integrity and judgment, was highly flattering to his 
feelings; but deliberate reflection, confirmed by the 
advice of Thomas Pleasants when he commenced 
business, that he should never place his character 
and happiness at the mercy of another, determined 
him respectfully to decline the proposition. It was 
happy for him that he did so; for this individual 
afterwards became insolvent, and the consequence to 
Edward Stabler would have been the loss of all his 
property. 

Another circumstance may be mentioned which 
brought the matter of business into serious review, 
and was the means of his adopting a principle of ac- 
tion from which we believe he never deviated.' He 
received information that a Friend in a distant city 
who stood high in religious society, and in the mer- 
cantile community, who was also extensively engaged 
in trade, had failed to meet his engagements. Upon 
receiving this account, he reflected upon his own 
humble qualifications, as he deemed them, — and the 
comparison between himself and this Friend over- 
whelmed him with distress. If this man, he thought, 
with great abilities and high reputation, could not 



MEMOIR OF EDWARD STABLER. 29 

sustain the trials of business, his own portion would 
surely be insolvency. But whilst he was contempla- 
ting this discouraging prospect, the pure principle of 
Truth which ever attends the honest heart as a coun- 
sellor and a source of strength, opened to his mind a 
view which banished all his fears. He saw that a 
course of strict prudence and justice would save him 
from destruction, by keeping his business within the 
limits of his means. 

In after life, while pursuing conscientiously this 
moderate course, he saw many, from a different rule 
of action, rise much higher than himself on the scale 
of riches, who afterwards sunk into ruin. It were 
well if all would reflect upon the disastrous influence 
which one error in the choice of principles may have 
upon their happiness, and the perfect security which 
attends them when they make the right selection, and 
are thus shielded from harm under the wing of Hea- 
venly goodness. 

About the year 1798, Edward Stabler was appoint- 
ed to the station of Elder by the monthly meeting of 
Fairfax, of which the Friends in Alexandria were at 
that time members. As their number had much 
increased with the rising prosperity of the town, and 
as Fairfax monthly meeting was held at the distance 
of forty-five miles, it was thought right to request the 
establishment of a monthly meeting in Alexandria; 
which request, after proper deliberation, was granted, 
and the meeting was opened on the 23rd of the 9th 
month, 1802. In the many transactions in which the 
3* 



30 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 

subject of this memoir was engaged for the support 
of the testimonies of Truth, and the good order of 
society, his conduct was such, both in affording en- 
couragement to the weak, and in endeavouring to 
reclaim wanderers from the path of rectitude, as 
secured the confidence of the circle of Friends with 
which he was connected. The following letters, ad- 
dressed to two female friends, exhibit the interest he 
felt at this time in religious concerns, and will form 
a connecting link between the uncertainty that still 
clouded his vision, and those luminous views which 
he afterwards received of the spiritual nature of the 
christian religion. 

Alexandria, 29th of the 8th month, 1802. 
My dear Friend, — 

It has now been better than a week since I 
was favoured with thy very satisfactory letter, and I 
think thou wilt believe me when I say, it has not been 
for want of sincere affection on our part, nor a due 
sense of the favour conferred on us, that it was not 
immediately answered. My employment in business 
has for three or four months past been uncommonly 
confining, owing to my young man's infirm state of 
health which ultimately reduced him to the necessity 
of quitting the business about six or eight weeks ago, 
and which has consequently left me without an assist- 
ant at the most busy season of the whole year. To 
this may be added, as a still more important reason — 
a consciousness that I am disqualified to say any 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 31 

thing to thee that would merit the appellation of good, 
even in the smallest degree. Like other men who 
have had a chance of education, and who have been 
favoured with the advantages of cultivated society, I 
could write or utter words upon many subjects; and 
this was, at one time of my life, a great source of 
enjoyment, when I may say sounds were mistaken 
for things, and ideas fitly arranged were misappre- 
hended for wisdom. But succeeding and anxious 
experience has convinced me that this is vanity, and 
that something of an entirely different nature must 
be attained, or sensibility will be racked with anguish 
for want of enjoyments suited to its nature and capa- 
cities. I have known the possession, for a time, of that 
invaluable blessing, and have been occasionally fa- 
voured with a transient renewal of its visitations; un- 
der the influence of which, the glorious nature of the 
pure birth was clearly apprehended, and an exulting 
willingness was felt, I trust, to give all things for it, — 
answering, as I conceive, to the prophetic declaration, 
'^ Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy pow- 
er." As such manifestations abound with consolation 
beyond any thing merely natural, to be left again to 
the undignified enjoyments of sense, is more depressing 
than never to have known that superior felicity. 

I mention this because it has been mostly my situa- 
tion to feel stripped of this higher consolation, and sur- 
rounded with apprehensions that I should be eventual- 
ly forsaken, and found unworthy to participate in the 
saints' rest, either here or hereafter. At other times I 



32 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 

have thought I received a conviction, that this tabula- 
ted path was the right one, and something like a lan- 
guage of encouragement to persevere unto the end, 
which should yet be blessed. Could I be assured that 
these sufferings were not the result of my own evil 
propensities, or punishments from Divine displeasure, 
I think I could submit to them with perfect willing- 
ness; especially as it appears clear from the same re- 
cord that, like the Captain of our salvation, we must 
be " made perfect through sufferings." It will not 
surprise thee to find me unqualified for writing well in 
such a state of mind, and thou wilt probably think 
with me that the task is considerable to write at all; 
but if I am not censured by thee for attempting it, I 
shall be satisfied. 

Thy letter to E. J. gave us the first information of 
your safe and peaceful arrival at home. This — as we 
feel no common interest in what concerns thee and our 
friend E. — was to us glad tidings; though I must con- 
fess not quite so gratifying as the enjoyment of your 
company under our own roof. When we have had 
the society of our dear friends at our house, I have 
thought our situation might be compared, in a degree, 
with that of Obed-Edom, in whose house the ark was 
lodged ; for the sake of which it is declared that he 
and all he had were blessed. 

Friends in this place are generally well ; and our 
Quarterly meeting has thought proper to trust us with 
the management of a monthly meeting. It appears to 
me a very important charge, and I hope we may be 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 33 

favoured to hold it to the honour of Truth ; for I think 
I am sensible that wisdom of a higher nature than our 
own, will be necessary to keep it from being a re- 
proach. 

I am affectionately thy friend, 

Edw^ard Stabler. 

10th of the 2nd month, 1804. 
Dear Friend, — 

The receipt of thy agreeable letter revived in 
my recollection a sentiment which has often been as 
an anchor to my mind in times of great mental conflict 
and distress, which is, that to such of us as may through 
Divine help be favoured to arrive at the haven of rest, 
the scene through which we here pass with so great 
difficulty, will wear, on looking back, an appearance 
entirely different; forasmuch as those dispensations 
which have been most afflicting, will probably be 
found to have w^rought more effectually to our purifi- 
cation than any others. And though we are too apt 
to think the lesson of obedience hard to learn where 
distress is the teacher, yet in my best moments I am 
strong in the persuasion that we could not be taught it 
by any other. The disciple is not above his Lord, nor 
the servant above his master; and if it be indeed true, 
that "it became him for whom are all things, and by 
whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory 
to make the captain of their salvation perfect through 
sufferings, ^^ can we expect to be perfected in any other 
manner? The pathetic language of prophecy declares 
him to have been "a man of sorrows and acquainted 



34 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 

with grief;" — that "he was oppressed and he was af- 
flicted, yet he opened not his mouth : he is brought as 
a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her 
shearers is dumb, so openeth he not his mouth;" and 
it would seem that the Divine Spirit, foreseeing the na- 
ture of our temptations, and that it would be suggested 
that his trials and ours materially differ, — has conde- 
scended to declare their sameness by the mouth of the 
highly favoured apostle who saith, "we have not an 
High Priest which cannot be touched with the feeling 
of our infirmities, but was in all points tempted like as 
we are."^^ And what has appeared at some times truly 
wonderful to my mind is, that none of these things 
were for liis own^ hut all for our sakes: as the prophet 
expresses, "he was wounded for our transgressions, he 
was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our 
peace was upon him, and with his stripes we are 
healed." From which instances of transcendent re- 
gard towards us, another comfortable proof arises, that 
he does not oppress us with unnecessary afflictions; 
but these things are requisite means which work for us 
"a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory," 
as they lead us to " look not at the things that are seen 
which are temporal, but at the things that are not seen 
which are eternal." I do not often feel myself quali- 
fied to say much on subjects of this nature, having, for 
the greater part, to labour under much poverty in my 
spiritual journey; and at such times I seem to be al- 
together solitary, with none to help me; though I have 
known from certain experience, at other times, that 
this is the alone highway for the ransomed to walk in. 



MEMOIR OF EDWARD STABLER. 35 

May I not hope that it may be some consolation to 
thee, my sister, to receive a fresh assurance from even 
a weak brother, that there are, and have been many 
who can subscribe to the truth of, perhaps, all thy 
trials in their own experience? and who can also say 
from some degree of comfortable evidence, at other 
times, that they "know their Redeemer liveth.'' The 
perusal of thy letter was, to me, somewhat like "deep 
uttering unto deep;" it awakened afresh that sensi- 
bility of my own weakness, surrounded with dangers 
which called to watch; and I trust, through Divine as- 
sistance, that it may be instrumental to arouse me to 
a more active attention; for our adversary is indeed an 
unwearied one, and the inmost recesses of our hearts 
are the scene of his allurements : but through the mercy 
of him v/ho gave himself for us, the preserving power 
is equally near us, and I am persuaded often sustains 
us when we know not how, even so as to give us the 
victory over all the besetments of evil, and, for a time, 
to establish our goings in his light, giving rise to an 
experience emphatically described in the language of 
the apostle, " Who shall separate us from the love of 
Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or 
famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? nay; in all 
these things we are more than conquerors through 
him that loved us." 

In near regard, farewell. 

Edward Stabler. 

In the latter part of 1804, he spent some months as 
a care-taker and companion of Ann Alexander, from 



36 MEMOIR OF EDWARD STABLER. 

England, and her female associate, who paid a reli- 
gious visit in the Southern States. The hold which 
religious impressions had taken upon his mind, was 
strengthened by the occurrences of this journey. He 
thus recounts some of his feelings in a letter addressed 
to his wife : " We have attended six meetings among 
those of our own society, besides one which A. A. ap- 
pointed in a little town. They were all trying and 
very exercising times; the people appearing in a gene- 
ral way scarcely capable of religious apprehension: 
nor is it to be wondered at, when we attend to the sen- 
sations which impress our minds as we pass up and 
down among them. In many instances, it appears as 
though we were almost in the confines of the shadow, 
of death, as it relates to the spiritual life which is hid 
with Christ. They appear most eminently to be slight- 
ing their own mercies, both in temporal and spiritual 
concerns, from the exceeding hardness of their hearts 
towards the poor, afflicted black people. The most 
comfortable times we know, are on the road; and then 
our situation is as much so as it can be when we are 
travelling. The various interesting subjects of litera- 
ture and religion form the topics of our conversation, 
and sometimes instructive passages from poets and 
historians are read to deceive the solitary way. The 
recollections of the many interesting scenes of our 
mutual endearment in our beloved family, and the 
solemn, affecting farewell when I parted with my pre- 
cious treasures, all rush upon me at this moment, and 
dissolve my heart with inexpressible tenderness. Oh ! 
that the kind Author of every mercy may hold you 



MEMOIR OF EDWARD STABLER. 37 

in the arms of his love, and preserve you from every 
evil!" 

During the progress of the experimental knowledge 
of the Truth, with which he was favoured about this 
period of his life, he found it required of him to with- 
draw from a society, though it had been established 
for a benevolent purpose, and to keep aloof from all 
human institutions, whether civil, political, or moral. 
The effort that severed him from this society which he 
had been active in forming, was humbling and painful; 
but the reward of obedience to the intimation of duty 
was an increase of light and peace. 

In the year 1805, his sympathies were called forth, 
and his excitable temperament brought low by the 
illness of his brother William, who departed this life, 
after protracted suffering, in the first month of the fol- 
lowing year. In the 7th and 12th months, he v/rote 
thus to his brother and sister : "Under great depression 
of spirits, what can I say to you that will either soothe 
your sorrows, or enable you to bear them with fortitude? 
We are getting our place ready, and expect to be there 
in this week or the beginning of next, where you shall 
have a cordial welcome, and the best that we can do 
for you. I think, if it can be done without inconve- 
nience, our son had better come with you, as it is too 
much to have the additional trouble of caring for him 
in your affliction. I shall write to Beaverdam after I 
hear from you again, when I could sincerely hope to 
convey more pleasing tidings; but a greater and more 
interesting desire is to have my own natural will sub- 
4 



SS MEMOIR OF EDWARD STABLER. 

jected, and to say, both with the mouth and heart, *thy 
will be done.' My heart sympathizes with you, more 
than my tongue or pen can express. Affliction is in- 
deed a ^bitter cup;' but infinite wisdom cannot judge 
amiss, nor infinite mercy afflict but for our good. The 
heavenly tranquillity and resigned situation of mind, 
with which my dear brother is favoured under circum- 
stances so awful, are worthy of grateful commemora- 
tion. That all-bountiful Power which thus makes bare 
his arm for the assistance of the poor, and graciously 
opens his ear to the sighing of the needy, will no doubt 
support him through the remaining trials, until he is 
landed on that blissful shore where all tears are for- 
ever wiped from all eyes." 

About the present period, he was favoured with a 
knowledge, by internal evidence, of the true and spi- 
ritual nature of the christian religion, and in reference 
to former experience he felt that he could now ex- 
claim with the patriarch Job, ^^I have heard of thee 
with the hearing of the ear, but now mine eye seeth 
thee." In the enjoyment of this delightful vision, he 
could hardly persuade himself that an outward light, 
above that of the sun, did not shine around him, as he 
followed his daily avocations. While this state con- 
tinued, he imparted his views of it to many of his 
friends, as opportunity' offered, and found that their 
feelings became dipped into sympathy with his own. 
He now perceived that the Divine manifestation which 
had thus visited his mind, was the " beloved Son" in 
whom the Father is "well pleased" — who, unknown 



MEMOIR OF EDWARD STABLER. 39 

to him, had been with him all his life; and an intima- 
tion accompanied the discovery, that he would have to 
declare this truth to his fellow-men. 

In the 6th month, 1806, he made his first appearance 
in the ministry. To prepare him for this, service, he 
passed through many and deep baptisms. In the midst 
of these, the world and its enjoyments were stripped 
of the false glory with which his youthful imagination 
had clothed them. An awful trial also awaited him, 
which, in its accomplishment, broke his attachment to 
the earth at its tenderest point, and had well nigh 
prostrated both his mental and physical powers. This 
event was the sudden death of his amiable wife, which 
occurred in the 9th month of the same year, and left 
him with five children to take care of, the eldest of 
whom was about eleven years old. As descriptive of 
her worth, and his sense of the loss he had sustained, 
we insert the following memorandum, made by his 
own hand in the Family Register, a few days after 
her departure; and truly, if the concurrent testimony 
of all who knew her may be depended on, she was 
worthy of this pathetic lamentation. 

^' My dearest Mary Stabler, the mother of the above 
named children, the sweet companion in all my joys, 
and endeared soother of all my sorrows, departed this 
life on the 20th of the 9th month, 1806, in the even- 
ing, at or near nine o'clock. Fervent indeed was the 
affection which subsisted between us, and unutter- 
ably tender was our sympathy for each other. To 
me she was a crown and bright diadem — a wise 



40 MEMOIR OF EDWARD STABLER. 

counsellor in every difficulty, — and a brilliant sceptre 
upon which my heart could always lean with inexpres- 
sible confidence in every affliction. From the period 
when she became my beloved companion until the 
solemn close of time, every action and almost every 
word manifested the dominion of that Principle in her 
mind, the proper fruits of which are meekness, pa- 
tience, innocence, and Divine charity, — and I doubt 
not — Oh! I cannot doubt that she is an inmate of that 
region where the righteous shall shine as the sun in 
the kingdom of their Father.'' 

In a letter to his sister-in-law, a few weeks after 
this mournful event, he thus expresses his desolated 
feelings. " My spirits are, as usual, depressed as 
low as possible, and every emotion of mind which can 
have a tendency to keep them so, appears to have un- 
divided dominion over me; but chiefly the idea of 
my lost love seems to embitter every prospect, and 
renders my life a scene of uninterrupted wretched- 
ness. I think it is now too plain that I loved her 
with an idolatrous affection. She was too much the 
centre of all my thoughts, — too entirely my whole 
treasure, or I should find some alleviation, some " day 
spring from on high," to refresh and correct the weak- 
nesses and wanderings of my heart. But as there is 
no help vouchsafed to me, I cannot do otherwise than 
submit in the best manner that my nature will admit 
of, which is I fear in an improper manner." 

The following letter was written a few months after 
the foregoing, and continues the same melancholy 
strain. It was addressed to a female friend who, like 



MEMOIR OF EDWARD STABLER. 41 

himself, had travelled in the vale of sorrow: " Think 
not, my dear sister, seeing I have received two pre- 
cious communications from thee, and have as yet 
made no reply, that I am therefore insensible of thy 
kindness, or ungrateful for thy sympathy. My emo- 
tions are far, very far different from this; and I fer- 
vently wish it were in my power to demonstrate my 
gratitude by making thee a suitable return; but my 
situation is generally such as to make mourning and 
lamentation the native language of my heart: and 
why should I, by uttering its dictates, increase thy 
sorrows? Perhaps the time may come, when Divine 
compassion will remove the dreadful rod of affliction 
from my tribulated spirit, and enable me experimen- 
tally to speak o^ mercy ^ as well as of judgment. Should 
this ever be the case, and permission be granted, I 
will with joy make thee a participator of the good 
things; but I desire no human being to partake un- 
necessarily of the wormwood and the gall: these I 
know are bitter, mournfully bitter; — so much so, that 
under their influence the "soul chooseth strangling 
and death, rather than life." But the Most High 
hath an end to accomplish in all these things. He 
is righteous; and I desire the prayers of all who can 
feel for and pity me, that I may be enabled to sustain 
the awful trials until his righteous purposes are effect- 
ed in thy poor desolate friend E. S,'' 

But this deep affliction which he mourned with so 
much feeling and submissive hope^ and during which 
the Divine presence was mostly veiled from him, at 
4* 



42 MEMOIR OF EDWARD STABLER. 

length performed its ofRce. His soul had drunk the 
the last of the bitter cup, and it pleased his Heavenly 
Father to send the " angel" of comfort to '' minister 
unto him." He was now sensible that the object of 
this severe trial was to purify his spirit from the 
things of earth, and bring it into closer communion 
with God — and in the fullness of joy at the convic- 
tion, he could truly say, " not my will, but thine be 
done!" This delightful state however was only as a 
brook by the way, to solace his way-faring soul on the 
journey of spiritual life. 

Towards the close of the year 1807, in obedience to 
apprehended duty, he engaged, in company with two 
Friends from a distant monthly meeting, in a religious 
visit to the families constituting the meeting to which 
he belonged. This service w^as accomplished to the 
satisfaction of his friends, and resulted in the enlarge- 
ment of his gift in the ministry. Soon after the com- 
pletion of these visits, he engaged in a similar concern 
to the families of Friends in Baltimore. He now re- 
sumed his station in business at home; for which his 
trials had long disqualified him; his children being 
under the care of Deborah, the widow of his brother 
William Stabler, and his family consisting of a house- 
keeper and two apprentices. His public appearances, 
though seasonable, clear, and impressive, had not been 
frequent; but now his sphere of labour became en- 
larged, and those characteristics of his gift were man- 
ifested, which afterwards rendered it so eminently 
valuable. 



MEMOIR OF EDWARD STABLER. 43 

It is believed that in the preparation for usefulness, 
few have passed through more humiliating seasons 
than he did; for, in proportion to the exaltation of the 
Divine gift, was often the abasement of the natural 
man. 

In 1807, during one of those times of desponden- 
cy, in a letter to his sister-in-law Deborah Stabler, 
he thus expresses himself: " Almost as soon as I got 
within view of the city of Washington on the day 
that I left thy house, my usual attendant, low spirits^ 
began to take possession of my mind, — without any 
cause that I know of; — which gradually increased 
until I arrived at home, and then settled into that 
habitual mourning of heart which has been so con- 
stantly the associate of almost every hour of my life, 
for the last fifteen months. I endeavour to submit to 
it with as much patience and resignation as possi- 
ble; — desiring at seasons that I may be blessed in 
the end with that purity of soul which these afflictive 
dispensations are probably designed to effectuate." 
In another, written about the same period, he says, a 
Friend " very unexpectedly and very acceptably at- 
tended our meeting last fifth-day. Her testimony 
reached and tendered my heart, which before was 
hard as the "nether millstone." Such are the privi- 
leges of those who have the liberty of sitting with 
" the children," and partaking of the " crumbs which 
fall from their table." My mind has been, perhaps 
generally, more calm than it was lefore; yet still I 
mostly feel as an outcast both from heaven and earth, 
with no joy either present^ or in prospect, I am, with 



44 MEMOIR OF EDWARD STABLER. 

love to my precious children — the dear representatives 
of their dearer departed mother, — and to thyself and 
children, thy affectionate brother, 

Edward Stabler." 

His health being now re-established, and his usual 
attention to business resumed, his spirits emerged from 
the deep gloom that had shaded them so long; but the 
enjoyments of the domestic circle were still wanting. 
Duty to his children, and a- proper estimate of his own 
comfort, induced him therefore, in due time, to seek 
for another companion. He was actuated by a desire 
to move properly in a matter so important; and having 
weighed it seriously himself, he obtained the consent 
and approbation of all concerned. The second object 
of his choice was Mary, the daughter of William 
Hartshorne, a Friend who resided near Alexandria, — 
and, on the 28th of the 7th month, 1808, according to 
the order of the Society of Friends, he was united to 
her in marriage. This connexion realized the highest 
hopes of himself and his friends, for the second wife 
proved truly a help-meet to him, and a kind mother 
to his children. 

His gift of the ministry, which was feelingly ac- 
knowledged by Alexandria monthly meeting in the 
10th month, 1808, and in due time by Fairfax Quar- 
terly meeting of ministers and elders, — now became 
further enlarged; and he frequently felt himself drawn, 
during the remainder of his life, to travel abroad in the 
service of the gospel; and also to labour among his 



MEMOIR OF EDWARD STABLER. 45 

friends at home, both as a minister and in the adminis- 
tration of the salutary discipline of the society. The 
sphere of his labours was chiefly in the Northern, 
Eastern and Middle States of this Union. 

In the exercise of the discipline, two subjects repeat- 
edly engaged his attention during the period between 
the commencement of the year just mentioned and the 
early part of 1810. The first was a neglect in the at- 
tendance of religious meetings, which had been noticed 
in a minute from the Quarterly meeting. On the in- 
troduction of this subject to the attention of the monthly 
meeting, that body proceeded solemnly to deliberate 
upon it, and a committee was appointed, of which 
Edward Stabler was a member, — to visit all the fami- 
lies of the meeting, and to extend such admonition as 
the cases might require. 

The second subject was the use of spirituous liquors. 
The necessity for action in this matter was a trial to the 
best feelings of the meeting; — and our friend Edward 
Stabler received an appointment (with a number of 
others) to labour affectionately with those who impro- 
perly used, or who dealt in this article. At the conclu- 
sion of their service, the committee reported that "the 
importation of spirituous liquors had nearly ceased, 
and that trading in them had very much declined 
among Friends since the last year; — that a sentiment 
in favour of our testimony was nearly general among 
those who had made them an article of trade; and 
from evidences of a desire to decline the trade alto- 
gether, they felt authorized to hope for a further ad- 
vancement." The services of the subject of this me- 



46 MEMOIR OF EDWARD STABLER. 

moir on both these concerns, are believed to have been 
of great value; for his own deportment was strictly 
correct, and his heart was actuated by ardent desires 
for the happiness of his friends. Labour extended un- 
der such influences rarely, indeed we may say never 
fails to produce some good effect. 

The use of ardent spirits as an article of drink, had 
before this time been common amons^ Friends and 
others, and it was customary at weddings to furnish 
wine plentifully to the guests; but at the marriage of 
one of his valued friends, Edward Stabler united with 
him in the support of this testimony, and it w^as main- 
tained, at that time, by withholding all intoxicating 
drinks from the wedding table. This circumstance 
was so singular as doubtless to induce an examination 
of the subject, and whether from this cause or not we 
cannot certainly determine, but the custom fell into 
disuse among Friends and other respectable people. 

The two following letters afford evidence of the state 
of Edward Stabler's mind about this period. The first 
speaks of his feelings in regard to the services of the 
committee appointed to visit the families of the monthly 
meeting; and the second (which was probably written 
after a visit to his sister-in-law) gives, further evidence 
of the deep probation through which he had to pass. 
Increasing spiritual light enabled him, however, to 
draw instruction and strength from his sufferings. 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 47 

Alexandria, 10th of 1st mo. 1809. 
Dear Sister, — 

A committee of our monthly meeting (of which 
thy brother was one) has lately accomplished a general 
visit to the families of Friends. It has been a time of 
renewed strengthening and confirmation to my mind; 
so much so, that I thought I could experimentally adopt 
the language, ^' Day unto day uttereth speech, and night 
unto night shov\'eth knoivledge:^' — and that not as it re- 
gards the revolution of the outward sun, but more im- 
pressively those seasons when the excellent presence of 
our holy Helper is veiled (as it relates to us) in dark- 
ness; or, as David expresses it, " when he maketh dark- 
ness his secret place, and his pavilion, thick clouds of 
the skies." And again, "At the brightness that was be- 
fore him, his darkness v/as scattered." 

These are indeed seasons of deep instruction, when 
the mind is enabled, through the excellent gift of faith, 
to remain quiet in every change, and behold his own 
works accomplished by his own power, both in the 
world and in ourselves. For assuredly such shall find 
the verification of the promise, that ''while the earth 
remaineth, seed-time and harvest, cold and heat, sum- 
mer and winter, and day and night shall not cease;" — 
and they shall learn to appreciate the value of every 
dispensation, knowing by experience that he is faithful 
who hath promised; and that though it may be expe- 
dient for us that he should go away, yet it is but to 
prepare a better place for us; and that he will come 
again, and take us to himself, that where he is, there 
we may be also. And this I take to be meant not ex- 



48 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 

clusively of a final entering into "his rest," but that it 
is accomplished in every season when we are by his 
blessed Spirit baptized into a conformity with all his 
various states of suffering, as preparatory to a partici- 
pation of his states of glorification. 

Thy very affectionate brother, 

Edward Stabler. 

Alexandria, 20th of 6th mo. 1809. 
Dear Sister, — 

I have nothing to say for myself that I know 
of — but that I have been since my return home very 
generally clothed with sackcloth, — which, as usual, I 
have not been able to hide as I should do, owing per- 
haps to the rents (which are too many) in the upper 
garments. I know not that the world is able to dis- 
cover my real situation, or it might perhaps operate as 
a discouragement to those who are but beginners in 
the spiritual life. But as it is certain "the children 
of the bride-chamber cannot mourn while the bride- 
groom is with them,"' so it appears to me impossible 
that they should not fast and mourn when he is re- 
moved from them: — and perhaps the charge, "wash 
thy face, and anoint thy head, and appear not unto 
men to fast," has its fulfilment when we keep our sor- 
rows to ourselves, without endeavouring to exhibit them 
to others to excite either their admiration or their sym- 
pathy; which appears to constitute tliat which is for- 
bidden, — "for they disfigure their faces that they may 
appear unto men to fast.'' I believe there is more cause 
to rejoice than to grieve, when we can get low enough 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 49 

to perceive that suffering and poverty of spirit are dis- 
pensed to us in regard to all our mental faculties, be- 
cause they have so obviously a tendency to divest the 
mind of arrogance and self-sufficiency, and enable it 
to receive the most precious of all wisdom and conso- 
lation, the revelation of him who is "meek and lowly 
in heart, '^ By this means true peace is found to the 
soul. 

Please to tell M. that I often think of her for good, 
and not for evil. And let her not count it strange 
concerning the fiery trial wiiich has and will come 
upon her to try her, for no strange thing hath happen- 
ed to her — but the very same things are accomplished 
in every child of her heavenly Father. And as he 
knoweth the way that we take, when he hath tried us 
we shall come forth as gold, — which is (as I appre- 
hend) divested of dross. And as gold has to be melted 
again and again while there is any dross, or else it 
cannot come forth as pure gold, so it is with us. These 
fiery trials are sent for this very purpose, to burn up 
all the pride and wickedness of our nature; and they 
must be repeated as often as there is any of it to con- 
sume; " For he that now letteth will let (that is, the 
obstruction to our pix)gress will continue,) until the 
man of sin be fully revealed,"' not in part only, but 
''fully,'' And this we know cannot be done at once, 
therefore he that letteth or obstructeth now, will con- 
tinue to let or obstruct, until the very last part of the 
sinful principle is revealed; and then, as he did to the 
first he will also do to the last, " he will consume him 
with the spirit of his mouth, and destroy him with the 
5 



50 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 

brightness of his coming. Then the triumphant situa- 
tion will follow, which all this "war and rumour of 
war" was producing, viz: "All old things shall be done 
away, and all things shall become new, and all things 
of God." Here then, "is the patience and faith of the 
saints, — that they endure this fight of afflictions, keep- 
ing their wills steadfast on the Lord's side, and then, 
whatever may happen, it will be well with them." 
Farewell, affectionately, 

Edward Stabler. 

In the 4th month of the year 1810, he obtained a 
minute to visit the Yearly Meeting of Friends in Vir- 
ginia, and to attend to some religious services within 
the limits of Cedar Creek monthly meeting, in com- 
pany with his sister-in-law, Deborah Stabler. The 
service was performed; and in the 6th month of the 
same year, he returned the minute with an endorse- 
ment made by direction of the Yearly Meeting, stating 
that his company and gospel labours had been accept- 
able and edifying. 

While engaged in this journey he wrote the follow- 
ing letter to his wife : 

Petersburg, 5lh mo. 17th, 1810. 
We have not had leisure at any time since we left 
home and when we were within reach of a post office, 
to write to thee; but my dear Mary may be assured 
that she and our precious little ones have often, very 
often been the subjects of my thoughts; and as I have 
no doubt that thy meditations have equally dwelt on 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 51 

US, I feel it incumbent on me to embrace the first lei- 
sure to inform thee of our progress. 

We have come thus far without accident, and with 
my mind much more at ease than I could have expect- 
ed, considering the situation in which I left our little 
Mary. But a constant hope has been present, that her 
fever would be of shoi't continuance; and as the sense 
of duty in regard to the visit in prospect, has continued 
to clothe my mind, I think with increasing clearness, 
I have been made the more easy to be absent from 
home; believing that I left thee, my dear children, 
and my business, under the protection of a kind Provi- 
dence who has always blessed me beyond my merits. 
My sister and myself have both enjoyed uninterrupted 
health, and are now so used to travelling that we are 
pretty much without fatigue. 

We are now in the house of an old acquaintance in 
Petersburg, where I first drew the breath of this life. 
And though I count it a matter worthy of gratitude, tltiat 
every person who ever knew me seems glad to see me 
again, even the black people, yet it does not feel like 
home, nor are there any of those kindred emotions 
which the heart delights to feel, where with an out- 
ward acquaintance there is also a unity of soul. 

I shall feel very anxious when I return to Richmond, 
to receive a particular account of eveiy thing pertain- 
ing to my precious family, and also of thy journey to 
the Quarterly meeting, and our sister Rebecca Miller's 
health. 

Love salutes you all from thy very affectionate hus- 
band, Edward Stabler. 



52 MEMOIR OF EDWARD STABLER. 

Between the 4th month of the year 1810 and the 1st 
month of 1813, he was again several times engaged in 
service, as a member of committees, on deficiencies in 
the attendance of meetings, and some remaining delin- 
quencies in the support of our testimony against the 
improper use of spirituous liquors. The report of one 
of these committees to the monthly meeting in the 7th 
month, 1810, concludes with the following expressions: 
" The affectionate manner in which our visits w ere 
generally received, together with the state of Divine 
favour afforded to our minds while engaged in paying 
them, have encouraged us to hope that a renewed at- 
tention to the important duty of attending meetings, 
will become the concern of those we have visited. In 
regard to the other subject we can only say, we be- 
lieve our testimony is not losing ground." 

That Divine favour is afforded to the mind while 
engaged in acts of duty, is a truth, not only confirmed 
by the experience of the subject of this memoir, as 
here recorded, but by that of all virtuous men. The 
holy scriptures abound in evidences to this truth, from 
the life of the first man to that of the last whose expe- 
rience is recorded in the volume. Indeed the evidence 
is so clear, that the human soul communicates with its 
Heavenly Parent, that the wonder is how any rational 
being can doubt the fact. Some reject the proffered 
instruction, and thus acknowledge its offer; and in 
some the voice of the internal monitor is drowned in 
the tumult of passion and excitement: but when the 
cool of the evening succeeds to the heat of the day, 
the voice of reproof, of instruction, of persuasion, is 



MEMOIR OF EDWARD STABLER. 53 

heard again. On this Divine communion, and obe- 
dience to the will of God thus immediately revealed, 
depends our present and everlasting happiness. 

The obligation to attend religious meetings, is a sub- 
ject which has long engaged the minds of Friends con- 
cerned for the welfare of the Society. It stands on the 
same foundation with our duty to perform other acts of 
righteousness, to wit, the love of God, and the love of 
man; and until this blessed feeling acquires dominion 
in the heart, the service can never be rightly perform- 
ed. A full conviction of this truth was the moving 
spring to the actions of Edward Stabler in all his re- 
ligious undertakings. At an early period of his reli- 
gious course, after his mind had received the first 
awakening visitation of Divine love, this subject deep- 
ly interested his feelings; and in the contemplation of 
it while under a preparation for the gospel ministry, 
his soul being absorbed in heavenly love, it followed 
him in sleep and prompted the most delightful visions. 

The foundation assumed above for religious worship, 
may seem to be narrow and exclusive; but its verity is 
sustained by the experience of all who have tasted of 
Divine communion. Many are attracted to the house 
of worship by curiosity; — some, by a desire to see and 
to be seen; — others are impelled by the force of habit, 
or the influence of tradition, or superstition; — the ac- 
knowledged influence of superiors may insensibly com- 
mand the youthful mind; — and some may be moved 
by the desire of applause, or the hypocritical workings 
of self-interest. In all these cases, and in every other 
we may justly say, "verily they have their reward:'^ 
5* 



54 MEMOIR OF EDWARD STABLER . 

but the "dew of Hermon" will only descend upon that 
mount '^ where the Lord commandeih the blessing.'^ 

In the year 1812, during a war in which the United 
States were engaged, the exactions of military power 
became a subject of concern to the monthly meeting, 
because it was feared that some of the flock might wa- 
ver in the support of our righteous testimony against 
that great evil. A committee was appointed, of which 
Edward Stabler was one, to pay such attention to the 
subject as it might require. Their report introduced 
the meeting into solemn exercise; and the members 
individually were affectionately advised, diligently to 
examine whether they were duly attentive and obe- 
dient to the monitions of Truth against uniting in war, 
or in any way yielding to military requisitions. It 
appeared by a subsequent statement of the committee, 
that eleven Friends had suffered by the loss of pro- 
perty, and two by imprisonment; and that the mem- 
bers w^ere generally faithful in the support of our re- 
ligious testimonies. The above sufferings are not 
recorded because the Society of Friends believe them- 
selves peculiar subjects of distress in war. We know 
that the consequences, moral and physical, are gen- 
erally calamitous, both to individuals and nations; and 
we cannot therefore but desire the advent of that glori- 
ous day, in which the " people shall beat their swords 
into plough shares, and their spears into pruning 
hooks," when " nation shall not lift up sword against 
nation, neither shall they learn war any more." — - 
Isaiah, c, ii, v. 4, 



I 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 55 

The letter which follows, gives some account of the 
condition of Alexandria at one time during the war, 
viz : 

Alexandria, 9th mo. 21st, 1814. 
My dear Friends, — 

To sympathizing minds like yours I need not say 
how grateful your letter was to my feelings, though 
I was away from town at the time of its arrival, 
and engaged in the (to nature) mournful employ- 
ment of nursing three sick children; two of whom 
were z7Z, and one extremely so. But all thanks to 
the gracious Preserver and Protector, they are all so 
far on the recovery as to leave my mind free from 
anxiety on account of their sickness. Equally to be 
commemorated, and with equal gratitude to the same 
Divine Power (since it was he alone to whom we were 
indebted for it) is the preservation of our city from 
outrage and pillage; at any rate, from such a degree 
of it as was to be expected from persons coming in the 
character of enemies. No personal insult, nor even 
indecorum was offered to the inhabitants, — their dwell- 
ings were not visited, nor their household property 
molested. They took flour, tobacco, cotton, groceries, 
and shipping, to an amount it is supposed of less than 
two hundred thousand dollars; which is a loss so very 
inconsiderable, compared to what we might have suf- 
fered, that it really looks astonishing w^hen I reflect 
upon it. But greatly consolatory and confirming (in 
relation to the rectitude and eflicacy of that kind of 
conduct which is the fruit of christian principle) is 
the consideration of the means made use of by Divine 



56 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 

Goodness to produce this marvellous preservation. — 
The previous attack on Washington had called away 
from Alexandria all the military men and military 
apparatus; so that when the English squadron ar- 
rived before the town, there was nothing in the pow- 
er of the remaining citizens but to meet them in the 
spirit of unresisting negociation. By this course, all 
irritation on both parts was prevented; and instead of 
the " confused noise and garments rolled in blood," 
which characterize the warrior and his employment, 
and which there is abundant reason to apprehend 
would have been the consequence, had there been a 
military force here on their arrival, — their conduct was 
respectful and decorous; and instead of that exulta- 
tion and triumph which expands the heart of a soldier 
when he encounters and overcomes a force like his 
own, these were evidently dejected and averse to what 
they were doing; and the officers, upon more occa- 
sions than one, expressed that they " felt like robbers 
and scoundrels" in thus taking away the property of 
unoffending individuals. 

" These are the Lord's doings, and are marvellous 
in our eyes." And as he is able to protect to the utter- 
most, he is worthy to be trusted in, yea, though he 
should in his infinite wisdom see meet to permit a 
scene of desolation yet to be our portion, his blessed 
power is able to make " all things work together for 
good" to those who love him. And I feel thankful 
for the desire which now pervades my heart, that he 
may not permit "tribulation, or distress, or nakedness, 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 57 

or famine, or peril, or sword," to separate my spirit 
from his love. 

I often think of a nmnber of my dear friends in Wil- 
mington, and always with affectionate desires for their 
welfare. The little company which so often met us at 
your house, I wish to be remembered to individually. 

For yourselves, I think you both know that I love 
you with that degree of sincerity which enables me to 
subscribe myself, with much truth of affection, 
Your friend, 

Edward Stabler. 

The death of a beloved sister-in-law called forth the 
following letter: 

Alexandria, 12th mo. 25th, 1812. 
My dear Brother, — 

I have it not in my power to do more than share 
affectionately in your sorrows, on the mournful event 
of which thy last letter apprised me. I nevertheless 
feel a near sympathy for all the near connections of 
our dear deceased sister; — and the fervent desire of 
my heart is that they may be supported and enabled 
to "glorify their Lord in the fires;" — not doubting 
that all will be found in the end to " work together for 
good." 

These awful and afflicting privations are indeed 
terrible to flesh and blood ! When the earth is thus 
shaken at the point of its dearest attachment, who can 
feel the commotion and not tremble? But the sublime 
and ever interesting truth is, that there remains some- 



58 MEMOIR OF EDWARD STABLER. 

thing through it all ^^ which cannot be shaken;" — and 
the less that is encumbered, the more rapidly will it 
ascend to "where it was before" it became a birth in 
our nature. And as it is thus lifted up in any human 
soul, there it will lead captivity captive, and give gifts 
unto such; even new and precious gifts of knowledge, 
love, purity, and holiness; — that where it is in its king- 
dom, there they may be also. 

I think my mind had a presage, upon parting with 
thee and our dear children, of something that would be 
trying to our tenderest feelings. I do not recollect that 
I ever parted w^ith you before, with the same kind of 
sensations, — which evidently included a supplication 
for your preservation — and I think, not more for my 
own dear child than for the rest of you. A renewal 
of this clothes my mind now while I am engaged in 
addressing thee; and I desire, with much sincerity of 
affection for you, and concern for myself, that the va- 
rious dispensations of infinite Wisdom towards us, may 
produce that entire dedication of heart to his requir- 
ings, which will lead us to behold the hand of a most 
merciful Parent in all which he permits to befall us. 
Thy affectionate brother, 

Edward Stabler. 

In the 4th month of the year 1814, Edward Stabler 
obtained the unity of his friends with a prospect of 
visiting the Yearly Meeting of our brethren of New 
York; and also of appointing such meetings on his 
way as might, in the openings of Truth, appear to be 
his duty. The service was performed to his satisfac- 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 59 

tion, and that of the Friends he visited, as appears by 
their endorsement on his minute. While on this^jour- 
ney, he wrote the following letter to his wife : 

Philada., 6th mo. 7th, 1814. 

Thy two letters, my dear Mary, of the 30th of last 
month and the 3rd of the present, I received to-day on 
my arrival in this city; and while I acknowledge my 
gratitude to the Fountain of Divine Goodness for your 
general welfare, I feel the current of my tender affec- 
tion to flow toward thee and my precious children. 
After I wrote from New York, my time became so 
much occupied as to afford no leisure to write again 
until now. 

I attended all the sittings of the Yearly Meeting in 
New York, and on second-day left that city for Locust 
Grove; and the next day attended a meeting at Rah- 
way which was appointed for our friend Micajah Col- 
lins and myself. The next day we attended a meeting 
at Plainfield, where, as at Rahway, there was a large 
assembly of people. From Plainfield we went to New 
Brunswick, where a meeting was appointed for us in 
the evening; and the next morning we were at Friends' 
meeting at Stony Brook, and in the evening attended a 
meeting at Princeton, appointed for the town's people. 
It was largely attended, and eventually proved a solemn 
and edifying season. 

I felt the separation from several dear friends who 
parted from me at Trenton, as a trial; for their com- 
pany and the unity of their spirits had been exceed- 
ingly comfortable to me. On coming to Abington in 



^0 MEMOIR OF EDWARD STABLER. 

Pennsylvania, information was diffused through the 
neighbourhood of our intention to be at meeting the 
next day, and there was a large collection of people, 
in whose minds an open door was found, and some of 
the precious truths of religion were largely opened to 
my own admiration, and received by the audience with 
that deep and solemn attention which I hope will, in 
some degree, prove an assurance that it will not be all 
lost labour. In the afternoon of the same day, we at- 
tended a large public meeting appointed for us in Ger- 
mantow^n, which appeared to be a hard, exercising 
meeting. 

This morning we came to Philadelphia in time to 
attend the North meeting; where my precious Master 
favoured me to open and deliver to the audience (a 
very large one) some deeply interesting doctrines, re- 
lative to his own pure offspring in the minds of the 
children of men. Several concurrent testimonies were 
borne after me; and the meeting concluded under a 
precious covering of that solemnity which is the crown 
of our assemblies. 

I should not mention a slight haemorrhage which I 
have had, if I did not value the existence of that pre- 
cious confidence which has always subsisted between 
us, and which ought to be maintained inviolate. 

My love salutes all my precious children, and I am, 
my dear Mary, with much affection, thy own 

Edward Stabler. 

Among the subjects which were recommended by 
the Yearly Meeting of Baltimore, in the fall of 1814, I 



MEMOIR OF EDWARD STABLER. 61 

to the notice of the Quarterly and monthly meetings 
was that of schools; and the subject of our narrative 
was appointed one of a committee by the monthly 
meeting of Alexandria, to inquire into the practica- 
bility of establishing an institution of this kind under 
its control. The report of the committee (which was 
chiefly prepared by him) contains the following inter- 
esting view^s, viz: 

" In deliberating on the subject of schools, the com- 
mittee have been forcibly impressed with the very 
great importance and necessity of an increased atten- 
tion to the subject generally; as the education of our 
precious offspring in those kinds of knowledge which 
eminently contribute to their becoming useful to them- 
selves and others in this life, is unquestionably the 
most valuable patrimony in that respect which can be 
bestowed upon them. But when we contemplate the 
still more interesting consequences which are connect- 
ed with the acquisition of literary and scientific know- 
ledge, from the associations which are formed, and the 
examples which are exhibited to the susceptible and 
imitative minds of children, and the obvious tendency 
of these to foster and encourage the growth of tempers 
and principles, with all their extensive and powerful 
influences upon the virtue, the character, and the hap- 
piness of human beings, in all their relations, — we ap- 
prehend it would be difficult, if not impossible, to ex- 
press in an adequate manner the great importance of 
securing to our children, by every practicable method, 
the advantages of a well ordered education. It must 
therefore be left with the minds of parents to reflect, 
6 



62 MEMOIR OF EDWARD STABLER. 

that as they value the welfare of their endeared off- 
spring in every respect, it is incumbent upon them to 
attend with renewed interest to this important medium, 
through which so numerous a train of benefits or dis- 
advantages may accrue to them. 

The difference between an ignorant and a well-edu- 
cated mind, is at once great and conspicuous. With 
natural talents of the same order, the one is confined to 
a limited sphere of usefulness, and is dependent upon 
others for many of the indispensable offices of social 
life; while the other by the acquisition of knowledge 
becomes capable of employment, productive not only 
of immediate and great advantages to himself, but his 
capacity for usefulness becomes in every respect pro- 
portionably extended in relation to his family, to his 
friends, to his neighbours, and to the world. 

But the acquisition of knowledge may become an 
evil instead of a good, if it be derived through impui'e 
channels, or if it be associated with corrupt principles; 
and of this truth there are unhappily too many in- 
stances, which, as obvious examples, should operate to 
guard against those causes, which thus by a mournful 
perversion convert a blessing into a calamity, and 
change an instrument of so great usefulness into an 
agent of misery and corruption. This view impressive- 
ly suggests the necessity of instituting select schools 
under well qualified teachers in membership with us, 
and to be superintended by committees of the Society, 
in every situation where it may be practicable. And 
though this may involve some increase of pecuniary 
expenditure, yet it is confidently believed, that in no 



i 



MEMOIR OF EDWARD STABLER. 63 

way could money be applied which would be produc- 
tive of so valuable an interest to our offspring, as when 
thus disbursed for the purpose of storing their minds 
with useful knowledge and virtuous principles; upon 
the possession of which so large a share of comfort and 
enjoyment evidently depends.^^ 

The interest which was felt by the subject of this 
narrative in the welfare of his fellow- creatures, as his 
mind advanced in the path of righteousness, caused his 
feelings often to expand beyond the limits of his own 
religious society. Under an impression of duty, there- 
fore, in the 4th month of the year 1815, he opened to 
the view of the monthly meeting, a concern which he 
had felt for some time to visit the Yearly Meeting of 
Rhode Island, then near at hand, and to attend and 
appoint meetings within its limits, as also within the 
verge of New York and Philadelphia Yearly Meetings. 
This concern met with the sympathy and concurrence 
of his friends, and he was furnished with a certificate 
recommending him to proceed " under the influence of 
best wisdom." 

This visit occupied about four months, and gave rise 
to the formation of acquaintances which continued to 
be subjects of pleasing reflection during the remainder 
of his life. He was favoured with the company of an 
elder from another monthly meeting, who was well 
qualified to hold up his hands in seasons of discourage- 
ment, and, to guard him from the danger of self-exalta- 
tion by reason of the ^^ abundance of revelations." 



64 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 

Some of the letters to his family, during this long 
absence, are preserved. They show the earnestness 
with which he was engaged in his Master's service, — 
the affection he felt for those among whom he travel- 
led, — and the grief which at times found way to his 
heart on account of the separation from those he held 
most dear on earth. The following was written at 
New Bedford, in the State of Massachusetts, on the 
19th of the 6th month, 1815. 

'^I received my dear Mary's letter of the 9thy the 
day I left Newport; and while I felt it as a cause for 
gratitude to the Divine Fountain, that thou and our 
dear little Sarah had been favoured to recover from 
your sickness, it made my heart ache to think I was 
so far from you, and that whatever might be the dis- 
tress of any of my precious ones, I could not be near 
to afford that affectionate sympathy and assistance, 
which is so mutually grateful and consoling under the 
pressure of affliction. But I must leave the matter in 
the Divine Hand, and endeavour to trust to his kind- 
ness and goodness for your preservation. 

The day after I wrote to thee from New York, we 
went on board the packet, and had a precious company 
of Friends along, who constituted a very pleasant socie- 
ty, and we were favoured with a fair wind all the 
way. I was not sea-sick, though I suffered some in- 
convenience for several days afler I landed, from gid- 
diness arising from the motion of the vessel. 

I have been received with abundant kindness where 
ever I have been; indeed, in many cases it has been 
an inconvenience from the difficulty of putting by the 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 65 

many invitations which could not be complied with. 
We came to this place on seventh-day last, where we 
were most hospitably entertained at the house of our 
kind friend William Rotch, junr., and indeed by all 
the rest of the Friends here. I attended two meetings 
here yesterday, which were large and satisfactory; 
and have appointed one to be held this evening for the 
inhabitants of the place. There are several meetings 
in this neighbourhood which I expect to attend, and 
shall probably have a meeting at Boston on next first- 
day, and afterwards at Salem; which, so far as I can 
now see, will be the extent of my eastern journey. 

I do not find that absence in any degree abates my 
affection. My love is towards all my friends of Alex- 
andria, and often does my mind visit them with affec- 
tionate solicitude and desire, that they as well as my 
own dear family may be preserved in the possession 
of those things which will contribute, in the greatest 
possible degree, to their happiness. To our relations 
I wish thee to present my affectionate remembrance, 
and to my dear friends as they inquire after me; but 
to John Janney and Elisha C. Dick, I wish to be re- 
membered, whether they ask after me or not. I re- 
member with gratitude the kindness and sympathy of 
my friends toward a poor, exercised brother. To my 
dear children and nephew Edward, the renewed ex. 
pression of my love can hardly be necessary, though I 
feel it to flow towards them in an undiminished stream. 
To thee also it is not necessary to say, with how great 
sincerity of love I am thy own 

Edward Stabler." 
6* 



66 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 

On the 20th of the 7th month, he wrote the follow- 
ing from Poughkeepsie : 

" My last letter was written from Providence in 
Rhode Island on the 4th instant; since when we have 
gone regularly on, having meetings where the state 
of exercise pointed out the expediency and propriety 
of appointing them. We had a number in the State of 
Connecticut amongst the Presbyterians, I hope to some 
good effect; and one in the city of Hartford, which 
though very hard and exercising in the beginning, was 
nevertheless in the end, through Divine favour, crown- 
ed with a solemnity and state of feeling which I con- 
sidered an abundant compensation for all I had gone 
through to obtain it. 

The next day after I wrote my last letter to thee, I 
was taken with a hoarseness, I believe in consequence 
of getting wet in a shower, which rendered it difficult 
to speak above a whisper; and at that time 1 had four 
meetings appointed which were to be attended every 
day in succession for four days. My mind was much 
clothed with dejection in consequence of this disease, 
(but I was in good health in every other respect) on 
account of the apparent impossibilty of speaking to an 
audience so as to be heard, if there should be any thing 
given me to communicate. But, blessed be the name 
of the Holy Helper, I was enabled, to my own admira- 
tion, in the very first meeting not only to speak audibly, 
but such was the solemn covering which was over us 
during a period of more than two hours, that when the 
meeting concluded in the usual way, the people all 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 67 

kept their seats until Friends were nearly out of the 
meeting house. -^ -^ ■}(■ 

I know that I ought to resign you all to the protec- 
tion of the Divine Parent, who has so long and so emi- 
nently preserved us through difficulties; but such is 
the ardency of my attachment to all of you, and so 
necessary is your preservation to my happiness, that I 
cannot at all times help indulging an over-degree of 
anxiety upon the subject. * ^ I expect to write to 
thee again from New York, when I shall probably 
have it in my power to mention with more precision 
where thou may est direct to me afterwards. I shall 
expect to receive in New York, not only letters from 
thee but from my dear Elizabeth, or Anna, or William, 
or all of them. 

Farewell, one and all; you are dearer than language 
can express to the heart of your affectionate 

Edward Stabler." 

The following letter was addressed to two intimate 
friends in Wilmington, Delaware, during this journey: 

Poughkeepsie, 7th mo. 20th, 1815. 
The kind salutation of my endeared friends met our 
hands at New Bedford; and the situation in which they 
know such poor wanderers as we are almost continu- 
ally placed, will I know divest their minds of any um- 
brage at so much time having elapsed without noticing 
to them, in reply, the gratification which it gave us. 
You have been much the associates of my reflections 
since I parted with you, and your ideas have never 
been presented to the view of my mind, unaccompa- 



68 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 

nied by that friendly endearment which made them 
precious to my feelings. 

The privilege of thus conversing with those we love 
by a medium purely spiritual, is indeed a great one, 
and the advantages which are thus mutually in our 
power, are really important. What a favour it is to a 
mind under the pressure of afflictive feelings, when the 
idea of an absent friend comes into view, and brings 
with it the recollection of a train of incidents which, 
for a season, dispel the gloom, and decorate the scene 
with new and vivid images, upon which reposing as 
upon a flowery bank in a wilderness, it becomes at 
once delighted and refreshed ! Such, my dear friends, 
has often been the eflect of my mental .communion 
with you. And though I suppose we have not had to 
witness any thing in the course of our travels which 
is not "common to man" when thus engaged, yet we 
have found enough both of depression and affliction, as 
we have been introduced into a feeling with the situa- 
tion of the precious "seed of the kingdom" in the hearts 
of the people, to make every cordial from heaven or 
earth truly acceptable. 

We have had many meetings in different places 
among Friends and others; and through all have had 
cause to know that though of ourselves we can do noth- 
ing, yet we are made able "to do all things through 
Christ" when he is mercifully disposed to help us. 
And one thing I have had very frequently to observe 
with much interest, that however defective the mem- 
bers of our Society may be, and really are in faithfully 
maintaining our testimonies, and living according to 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 69 

our high and holy profession, so as often to naake our 
meetings when exclusively with them very dull and 
inanimate, — yet wherever Friends have long been set- 
tled, and we had meetings which have been largely at- 
tended by other people, there has been in almost every 
instance the most striking evidence of a preparation of 
heart among such (which was not to be found among 
those who had been v/ithout such an intercourse with 
our Society) for the reception of the truths of the gospel. 
Among such as these there was felt an open door, both 
in respect to feeling and communication, which was 
concurrently endearing and solemn; and this brings to 
my mind the expressions of the prophet, concerning 
the effects which follow where a ^'root of Jesse" shall 
stand for an ensign to the people: ''Unto him," he 
says, "shall the gentiles seek, and his rest shall be 
glorious." 

It has been now a considerable time (almost a month) 
since I heard from my dear family, nor do I expect to 
hear from them until I get to New York, which will 
probably be a week longer. The last accounts stated 
them to be all in good health, except my youngest little 
boy who was poorly. My heart feels very anxious 
about them, but I endeavour to give them up as well as 
I may to the kind protection of the Divine Preserver; 
being abundantly assured that he is able, if it is seen 
best by his infinite wisdom, to keep them so that noth- 
ing shall happen to harm them. 

If my cousin LB. and his family have yet settled 
in Wilmington, please to remember my cousin R. and 
myself affectionately to all of them. It is likewise pre- 



70 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 

sented by both of us very affectionately to you, and to 
all inquiring friends among you; and I know you will 
believe the sincerity and truth of regard with which I 
am your friend, 

Edward Stabler. 

A few years before the present period, two stran- 
gers from Boston, a young man in delicate health, 
and his wife, visited Alexandria, and were introduced 
to the family of Edward Stabler. Their attractions, 
both personal and mental, were above the common 
order, and a strong mutual attachment took place be- 
tween the parties. A friendly correspondence was 
kept up after the departure of the strangers; and at 
the death of the young man which occurred in a short 
time, his widow sought relief from her sorrows in the 
sympathy of her distant friend. He intended to enjoy 
the satisfaction of paying her a visit on his late jour- 
ney, but he was prevented in the manner related in 
the following letter. 

Alexandria, 9th mo. 16t?i, 1815. 

It was not less a disappointment to me, my beloved 
friend, than it appears to have been to thyself, that I 
did not get to see thee when at Boston — and I was 
only reconciled to the privation, by the circumstance 
of its being inevitable. I made as much inquiry con- 
cerning thee and the place of thy residence, as I well 
could, during my short continuance there, but receiv- 
ed no information by which I could find either. I 
left Boston with regretful feelings on this account; for 
it was among the mournfully pleasing gratifications 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 71 

which I anticipated when I had a prospect of being 
there, that I should probably see the dear friend, for 
whom a spontaneous attachment was felt from the 
first of our acquaintance. 

In respect to the severe, the awful privation thou 
hast had to sustain (and of which I was early inform- 
ed) in the loss of thy greatest earthly treasure, I can 
appreciate the state of thy feelings by the standard of 
my own afflictive experience. I have known, my be- 
loved friend, that sickness of the heart, which turns 
from proffered pleasure with loathing, because of the 
loss of that endeared object of my affection w^hich 
gave to all my joys their relish, — and for which all 
other things were chiefly desirable. But the ways of 
the Divine Parent, though often inscrutable, are al- 
ways the result of infinite goodness, guided by infinite 
wisdom : — and surely it is not the least of his wonders 
that he often causes those distressing dispensations, so 
incomprehensible to the limited understandings of his 
creatures, to work for them '' a far more exceeding 
and eternal weight of glory," by detaching their at- 
tention in this way from the " things which are seen," 
the most exquisite of which "are temporal,^^ in order 
to their becoming acquainted with those '' things which 
are not seen," and which '• are eternal.'^ Among the 
former of these, the heart is acquainted with nothing 
which exceeds in value, or in the reality of possession, 
those precious connections which are the objects of 
domestic endearment. But how mournfully evident 
it is, that these also, " like the morning cloud and the 
early dew," are transient and perishable; — and in 



"72 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 

proportion to their loveliness and our consequent at- 
tachment to them, is the agonizing extent of that 
chasm which is left in the mind when they are taken 
from us. But in the latter and more sublimely inter- 
esting scene, — all is equally certain, — and all is du- 
rable. For as this world, with its changeable and 
fluctuating materials, is the region of the former, — 
which necessarily rises and falls — subsists and per- 
ishes — with the things upon which it is dependant; — 
so there is a spiritual region, with which we stand 
continually connected by our minds, — and with which 
(were we equally attentive to the impressions made 
upon them) we should know a communion, with as 
much certainty as we know the things of the outward 
world by attending to our outward senses. 

An acquaintance with this is what the christian re- 
ligion proposes: — it is what the illustrious Paul allu- 
ded to, by " the things which are not seen.'^ An 
intimacy with this enabled him to " glory in his tribu- 
lations," and rejoice '^ in the cross of Christ," by which 
the world was crucified to him, and he to the world! 
In this school he learned the delightful truth, "that 
though the outward house of this tabernacle dissolve, 
he had a house, a building of God not made with 
hands, eternal in the heavens;*' — and which, on ac- 
count of its transcendent glory, qualified him to esti- 
mate the present afflictions which are lent for a mo- 
ment, as not worthy to be compared with the glory 
which should be revealed in him, when his attention 
became detracted from outward things. 



MEMOIR OF EDWARD STABLER. 73 

And I am persuaded that the afflictions which are 
dispensed by the Author of mercy to the children of 
men, are intended for the benevolent purpose of call- 
ing the attention of their minds from the world which 
is without them, to that which is within them; — where 
the revelation of his spiritual wisdom is known, and 
his glories manifested,— where the soul is enabled to 
feed upon food appropriate to its nature, — to partake 
of " that bread which cometh down from heaven and 
giveth life to the world." '^ Not (says our Saviour) 
as your fathers did eat manna and are dead; he that 
eateth of this bread shall live forever." To this bless- 
ed and all interesting scene of consolation, I can with 
confidence commend my dear afflicted friend, as unto a 
fountain most precious, from which light, and life, and 
joy, in a confluent current forever issue, as a " river 
of the water of life" — which first refines and then pu- 
rifies, — ennobles and exalts the soul which drinks of 
its life-giving stream. It successively changes '' from 
glory to glory," until the entire transformation from 
the image of the earthly to the image of the heavenly, 
is accomplished: — and then cometh the glorious end 
when the Divine sovereignty is established in the hu- 
man soul, and "God is all in all." I think I am 
authorized by the affectionate feelings of my heart 
toward thee, to say that I always shall be, with great 
sincerity, thy friend, 

Edward Stabler. 

The feelings of our beloved relative had now be- 
come so deeply interested in the welfare of all within 

7 



74 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 

the circle of his acquaintance, that he was much em- 
ployed, during the remainder of his life, in devoting 
the rich treasures of his experience to their use. 

Copies of some of his letters were retained by him- 
self, and the originals of others preserved by those who 
received them. Of these letters we shall insert many 
in the remaining portion of this volume. 

The following was addressed to a friend who was 
labouring under depression. 

Alexandria, 10th mo. 24th, 1815. 
My dear Friend, — 

I am renewedly confirmed in the sentiment, that 
thy impoverished and desolate state of feeling, so em- 
phatically described, — is so far from being an evidence 
that thou art forsaken, that agreeably to my judgment 
it places thee in the situation so often pronounced Mess- 
ed by infinite Wisdom. Who, my dear friend, can with 
truth be called mourners, but those who mourn? and 
thou knowest we none of us mourn without some cause, 
and that cause must be in its nature contrary to our 
desires. And when we sorrow because we are not as 
pure, as righteous, as heavenly-minded, as we wish to 
be, does not this very state demonstrate that purity, 
righteousness, and heavenly-mindedness, are the ob- 
jects of our desires? To this state the Redeemer of 
the world has said, " Blessed are they who hunger 
and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled. 
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for their's is the king- 
dom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn, for they 
shall be comforted." 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 75 

It is by this process that our minds come to witness 
those seals to be opened, by which the mystery of god- 
liness is •' hidden from the wise and prudent/' — and 
that we learn the practical distinction between a mind 
rejoicing in its own righteousness, the work of its own 
hands, and that righteousness which is of God; and 
which, like the new heavens and the new earth, is 
erected upon the ruins of the old: — the first must pass 
away before the second can be established. And this 
glorious consummation, which is worthy of all the 
sacrifices that are made to obtain it, necessarily in- 
volves in its progress the destruction of many things 
to which the heart is attached. And as the precious 
consequences cannot be seen at the time of the sacri- 
fice, it is no wonder that the mind is filled w^ith lamen- 
tation, like " Rachel mourning for her children because 
they are not.'' Yet these are the immediate associates 
of the Redeemer's presence, who is by this way begin- 
ning and carrying on the work of the soul's redemption; 
gradually putting down all authority, all rule, and all 
power, that he may establish the Divine sovereignty in 
the heart, and that " God may be all in all." Under 
this state there arises that " pure river of the water of 
life, clear as crystal, (that is, divested of all impurity) 
upon either side of which grows the tree of life, that 
yieldeth her fruits every month, and the leaves thereof 
are for the healing of the nations." 

It appears evidently to my mind, that this animating 
representation is proportionably realized in the expe- 
rience of every individual, in whom the Divine Spirit 
comes in any degree to have the dominion; for as this 



76 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 

does unquestionably cleanse and purify the mind, the 
necessary effects of this purity are the growth and es- 
tablishment of upright principles, which root out and 
destroy all that is evil, until the "wilderness becomes 
as Eden, and the desert like the garden of the Lord." 
I remain affectionately thy friend, 

Edward Stabler. 

The following letters will explain themselves. 

Alexandria, 11th mo. 10th, 1815. 
My dear Friend, — 

Thy affecting account of the last interesting mo- 
ments of thy young and amiable acquaintance, is in- 
deed truly impressive : and when I was confined to a 
bed of languishing, with symptoms which rendered it 
not improbable that their farther progress might also 
terminate my mortal course, I had cause to commemo- 
rate wdth humility and gratitude, the mercy and good- 
ness with which I was favoured at that solemn season 
by the fountain of Divine love. 

My heart was repeatedly tendered by new and pre- 
cious openings, which unfolded to my view the ground 
upon w^hich the souls of the children of men are ac- 
cepted in the Divine sight. "Not," says the illustrious 
Paul, "by works of righteousness which we have done, 
but according to his mercy he saved us, by the wash- 
ing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Spirit." 
Answerable to this precious doctrine, when my mind 
looked toward any thing usually called good among 
men which I had ever done, so many equivocal cir- 
cumstances were perceived relative both to the motives 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 77 

and the execution, — and constituting a scene so fluctu- 
ating and unstable, that, like the apposite emblem of 
Noah's dove excluded from the ark, my spirit could 
here find no "rest for the sole of her foot." "When 
you have done all these things," said our blessed Re- 
deemer, " say, we are unprofitable servants." How 
then could I derive consolation, or build a hope of 
acceptance upon the few, the very few which I had 
done, — when, to have done all and 'perfectly^ was no 
more than my duty? I saw with unquestionable clear- 
ness, that this was not the foundation of acceptance; 
but that, like the old heavens and the old earth, this 
must pas 3 away. The confidence of the mind must 
be withdrawn from these "filthy garments" of spotted 
and defiled righteousness; — and, being humbled before 
infinite purity, receive the ravishing boon of favour 
and acceptance, as his own gift. And when I was 
blessed with the feeling of this, and my heart was dis- 
solved in gratitude for the inestimable benefaction, how 
clear v/as my perception of my own unworthiness ! 
how exalted my view of his unbounded goodness! I 
rejoiced, not only in the refreshment which was thus 
immediately communicated by his presence, but medi- 
ately through that unspeakable feeling of unity and fel- 
lowship, which was also its offspring, with his children 
and people, both in time and eternity; — the same uni-. 
versal medium of life, love, and joy, being evidently 
comprehensive of all. And on this ground, my spirit 
exulted in the sweet assurance, that "by this we know 
that we have passed from death unto life, because we 
love the brethren," 
7* 



78 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 

But, alas ! my friend, such is my incapacity long to 
enjoy these precious fruits of the true Canaan, — that 
scarcely had convalescence began to take place, as it 
respected my disease, — before my mind was shrouded 
with dejection, and things as comparatively small as 
"the grasshopper, became a burden." And though this 
state furnished a new and unquestionable evidence, that 
the former was indeed the bounty of heaven; yet the 
acuteriess of present suffering was increased by the 
contrast, and distress became more intense, by being 
preceded by enjoyment. 

I remain sincerely thy friend, 

Edward Stabler. 

. Alexandria, 1st mo., 1816. 
My dear Friend, — 

All the departments of life afford concurrent tes- 
timony to the certain rewards of obedience. And as 
I assuredly believe that no portion of our nature, — no 
circumstance of our lives, exists independent of the 
Divine Author, — so, the more attentively I consider 
his footsteps in the animal, — the intellectual, — and the 
spiritual concerns of man, — the more abundant and 
unequivocal is the conviction, that submission to his 
sovereignty, not only elicits the highest degree of good • 
of which the subject nature is capable; — but the same 
act also suppresses the innumerable generations of 
evil and calamity, which would necessarily and suc- 
cessively have arisen under the influence of the oppo- 
site state. 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 79 

This truth is impressively and beautifully included 
in the figure of Jacob's ladder. The top of it reached 
to heaven, but the foot was upon the earth. Conso- 
nant with this, we perceive that the lowest concerns of 
man, — the most subordinate powers of his nature, are 
sensible of the presence of a discriminating and recti- 
fying principle — and are either blessed by obedience 
to its influence — or, refusing its direction, suffer from 
the domination of evil energies, which plunge their un- 
happy subject into every variety of distress. Nor is it 
less true by observation and experience, that faithful- 
ness in the inferior, prepares the way to the enjoyment 
of principles of a higher order. The series which be- 
gan on earth, is made to terminate in heaven, in the 
rapturous possession ^^of glory, immortality, and eter- 
nal life." To this blessed consummation, even the 
ofTspring of evil — the family of pain — are made sub- 
servient by that ^'unwearied love," which ^' is kind 
even to the unthankful and to the evil." 

Thy friend, 

Edward Stabler. 

Alexandria, 1816. 

My dear Friend, — 

Let it be my important and" pleasing engagement, 
as far as adequate power and intelligence are afforded, 
not to take thee out of the field of labour, where the 
plants of eternity are cultivated, but rather to encour- 
age thy resolution, and invigorate thy efforts, faithfully 
to pursue in every situation, whether painful or plea- 
surable, the invaluable prize of immortality and eternal 



80 , LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 

life. That innocent purity of mind, — that confidence 
in the wisdom and goodness of an Almighty friend, 
which thou knowest to be so precious, and which have 
been found in times of trial to be as a rock among tu- 
multuous waves — a resting place which could not be 
agitated by the storm — though all things else were in 
commotion around thee: — these constitute real trea- 
sures to the soul; and the cause which produces them 
is declared by the inspired writers ^'not to be far from 
every one of us." '^ It is nigh thee, in thy heart, and 
in thy mouth." It is described by the evangelist John 
to be a principle of life. And as our natural life is 
the cause why we can do or perceive any thing as 
natural beings, so this is the power in man by which 
only he is capable of knowing or pursuing the sublime 
treasures and enjoyments of goodness. 

We are incapable of defining the principle of animal 
life, yet we bear it about with us; — we are perfectly 
conscious that we have it; — we feel its impulses and 
its restraints, — its pleasures and its pains. As its ex- 
istence within us is vigorous, we feel our powers of 
perception and action proportionably vivid; as it de- 
clines, they diminish; — and when it forsakes us, we 
know that we must necessarily become insensible, and 
incapable of knowing ♦any thing which pertains to it. 
Such also is the spiritual life, the life which was in 
Christ, which the scriptures declare is the light of men; 
yea, " the true light which lighteth every man that 
cometh into the world." From this arises every im- 
pulse we feel toward goodness. This renders us sen- 
sible of its nature, its loveliness, and its power of bless- 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 81 

ing; and at the same time impresses our minds with a 
clear conviction of the harmful tendency of every prin- 
ciple within us which opposes its progress. The good 
and the amiable in all ages have been its followers: — 
by this they have been enabled to resist every incen- 
tive to evil, — to ^'endure the cross and to despise the 
shame" — until they have been made successively more 
than conquerors over every enemy which assailed 
them. As its heavenly instructions have been attend- 
ed to, the energy of its life has increased, and the per- 
ceptions of the soul in relation to eternal things, have 
been clearer and clearer. 

I am affectionately thy friend, 

Edward Stabler. 

Alexandria, 3rd mo. 21st, 1816. 
My Dear E'riends, — 

From the familiar intercourse of the Divine Prin- 
ciple with the children of men, too many unhappily 
form wrong estimates of its character, — become of- 
fended at its reproofs, — and turn away from its in- 
structions. To them, of course, the wonders which it 
reveals, — the marvelous works which it performs, and 
the blessings which it secures to those who attend to 
its progress, — remain unknown and even incredible. 
As its influences are first perceived in relation to our 
outward affairs, (though its real access to us is by the 
spiritual portion of our being) a state of inexperience 
leads us to conclude that it is of earthly origin. ("Is 
not this the son of the carpenter?") But as we are faith- 
ful to its directions in minor concerns, we are succes- 



82 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 

sively led to the perception of greater and more ex- 
cellent things : and the same leader who was clothed 
in our vievv- with the garments of mortality, while 
employed in dispensing directions concerning earthly 
things, becomes " transfigured before us'' — in its more 
exalted operations, its " face shines as the sun, and 
its garments are white as the light." * * * 

Let no partition wall divide between you and this 
heavenly principle, — no veil hide from you the glorious 
vision of the ''King in his beauty." And when all 
adverse authority, and rule, and power, shall be put 
down, and the kingdom (the entire government) be de- 
livered up to his father and your father, his God and 
your God, — then will mortality be swallowed up of 
life — and the crown of glory and immortality be 
yours. E. S. 

Alexandria, 9th mo. 13th, 1816. 
DiiAR Friekd, — 

I have this day written to our common friend R. 
M.; having made an arrangement with a nephew of 
mine who is an active and intelligent merchant in this 
place, to make the experiment of selling his cotton on 
commission. Thou hast given me some pleasure in 
selecting me as an agent to render service to such a 
man as I take him to be — and it will be quite rejoicing 
if the experiment should result profitably to him. But 
that is not all for which I feel indebted to thee and thy 
D. Your correspondence is to me a treasure, — for 
which I wish it were in my power to make you a more 
adequate compensation in kind, than 1 feel is possible 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 83 

to me. The feelings of my heart are indeed warm to- 
ward you; — and in that precious fellowship of love, 
which results from such a state, there is great facility 
of communion in the sjnrit. ^^ ^ ^ 

The distressing and disgraceful circumstances of this 
. internal traffic in the people of color in our country, 
alluded to in thy last letter but one, is indeed a trying 
affair to human feeling, — especially the kidnapping 
part of the business. The scandalous defect of our 
laws, — and the criminal inattention (to say no more) 
of our legislators to a subject which is making such 
rapid progress in the destruction of the character, the 
humanity, and the morals of the country, — is indeed 
surprising. When I have looked towards it with a 
view to a remedy, — and seen how very small a portion 
of the evil can be removed by the most zealous efforts 
of the few, whose feelings are alive to its iniquity and 
its consequences, I have been almost at a loss to deter- 
mine whether any advantage is derived from sofeehle an 
opposition to its course; — for unquestionably the nature 
of things must change, or they who thus " sow to the 
wind," will for their harvest '*reap the w^hirhvind;" — 
w^hich will speak to their experience in a voice too loud 
to be disregarded, — and too powerful to be resisted. 
And when all that the friends of humanity can do, shall 
he done,' — I fear that the avarice and obduracy of 
America wdll force this tremendous corrective upon 
them. The general government has indeed acted no- 
bly in annihilating the trade to Africa for slaves; — 
but the same thing is carried on in our own land, and 
no effort is made to deprive it of even its most horrid 



84 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 

features. It sickens my heart to reflect upon it; — and 
every idea I can form of justice, of mercy, of righ- 
teousness, and even of consistency of character, — is 
violated by the monstrous spectacle of laws, both so- 
cial and political, which recognize the spirit of avarice 
in one man (and he perhaps among the vilest and most 
worthless of his species) as paramount to all the tender 
ties and invaluable interests of conjugal, par eiital, filial, 
and fraternal love in another: to say nothing of all the 
various interests which belong to him as a social being, 
and which are alike sacrificed by the same stroke. 
When I contemplate again the laws which govern the 
universe (and practically determine the effects which 
result from their causes) as issuing from a Fountain 
of Infinite Rectitude; the utmost violence must be done 
to my understanding, before it can appear otherwise 
than impossible that any thing hut distress and increas- 
ing calamity can arise from such a state of things. We 
cannot expect to " gather grapes from thorns, nor figs 
from thistles!" 

My dear boys are abundantly sensible of your kind- 
ness, and return your affectionate salutation with great 
cordiality. My affectionate remembrance is presented 
to thy D., and your children — my cousin I. B. and 
family — and to all particular friends as if named — 
and after requesting thee to forgive me for sending 
thee so rough a scrawl, 

I shall subscribe myself. 

Thy very affectionate friend, 

Edward Stabler. 



\ 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 85 

Alexandria, 12th mo. 26th, 1816. 

Thy last agreeable letter should have received an 
earlier answer, had I not, my dear friend, been almost 
indispensably engaged nearly ever since I received it. 
Among these engagements, one of the most interesting 
and important has been, attending to the gradual de- 
cline and death of my father-in-law, William Harts- 
horne, senr., whom we attended to the grave on the 
14th inst., in the seventy-fifth year of his age. 

I should with peculiar pleasure comply with thy re- 
quest, to furnish thee with a memoir of my departed 
friend Benjamin Bates, jr., but I am without the ma- 
terials which would seem to be necessary to compose 
such an one as would be proper. The time of our 
greatest intimacy was when we were both young, un- 
married men. But after we became settled in life, 
the places of our residence were so remote that we 
very seldom met. And when I was most intimate 
with him, the qualities of his mind, and the dispositions 
of his heart were the principal objects of my attention 
and attachment; so that I do not recollect that I ever 
inquired or knew, in what county of Virginia he was 
born, or where. His qualifications, both natural and 
acquired, were certainly much beyond those possessed 
by the generality of men. In science, his attainments 
were principally by his own industry and application; 
but they were such as, in many respects, to entitle him 
to rank amongst the most learned men in our country. 
As a poet, his genius was chaste, correct, and copious; 
and I am persuaded, that had not the vigor of his imagi- 
nation and the ardor of his mind been restrained by the 
8 



86 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 

pure influence of divine Truth, he might have become 
illustrious in the world, as the Milton, or Homer of 
America. These rare qualifications were all clothed 
with so dense a veil of modesty and humility, that like a 
mine of precious metals, the hasty observer would not 
have detected their existence. But to those with whom 
he was intimate, they were successively disclosed in 
rich and varied profusion, which delighted at once, 
and enriched the confident of his friendship. But the 
^- crown and diadem"' of his character, in the view of 
those who knew him best, were constituted by his de- 
votion to that vital Fountain of Righteousness, '^the 
life that was in Christ." Under tlie tutorage of this 
^^unspeakable gift," he became eminent for his benev- 
olence to mankind, — blameless in his intercourse with 
them, — and actively vigilant in promoting their wel- 
fare : — nor was his homage less conspicuously demon- 
strated by his obedience to its impulsive, than to its 
restraining influence. With such talents as he pos- 
sessed, the incitement to devote them to popular pur- 
suits must have been powerful. The road to literary, 
to scientific, to political fame, was open before him; — 
and his acute discernment could not have left him ig- 
norant, that many with endowments far inferior to his 
own, had been successful in the pursuit of them. Con- 
sidering therefore the fascination which is associated 
with these, when prospectively presented to the view 
of man, — a more than superficial examination was ne- 
cessary to enable him to resist their allurements. The 
pure light, however, which he had taken for his leader, 
could not fail to manifest the true nature and effects 



MEMOIR OF EDWARD STABLER. 87 

of them;— that they originated in and must terminate 
with time, — and that, however " pleasant to the eyes," 
'4he fruit" would be deleterious in its consequences, — 
and produce a distressing harvest of " thorns and this- 
tles," which would cause him " to eat with sorrow all 
the days of his life." But b}^ avoiding the means, he 
was preserved from the end of these delusive glories; 
and there is abundant reason to believe that when 
'- the silver cord w^as loosed," which bound his spirit- 
ual to his material being,— the treasure which was 
most precious in his esteem was not separated from 
him; — but became the imperishable garment of his im- 
mortal spirit, — in which to associate with ''the church 
of the first-born, whose names are written in heaven." 
Perhaps, my dear friend, thou mayest be able to ex- 
tract something from the above, which is, I believe, a 
true picture (as far as it goes) of my deceased friend, — 
that may answer the end thou hast in view. If so, 
thou art at liberty to use, to correct, or to suppress 
it, — as thou mayest think best. Please to present me 
affectionately to thy D., and our common friends — and 
believe me to be with unabated affection, 

Thy sincere friend, 

Edward Stabler. 

During a period of about three years from the lat- 
ter part of 1815, Edward Stabler remained mostly at 
home, to the great enjoyment of his family and him- 
self. No one could well be more beloved in the do- 
mestic circle. His wife and elder offspring consulted 
his feelings, and leaned on his judgment with the ut- 



88 MEMOIR OF EDWARD STABLER. 

most tenderness and confidence; and the younger chil- 
dren welcomed his return from abroad or the engage- 
ments of business with great joy, in which he was 
always ready to meet them when his spirits w^ere not 
depressed by disease, or absorbed in religious exer- 
cise. Perhaps no parent was ever fonder of adapting 
his deportment and language to the capacity and in- 
clinations of the juvenile mind. 

To the members of his own meeting, his presence 
was desirable; and many acquaintances, members of 
the Society of Friends and others, called upon him 
to enjoy his instructive conversation. Some of these 
were actuated by curiosity; some by a desire to mea- 
sure intellectual strength with him; others believed 
it their duty to controvert such of his opinions as they 
thought erroneous; and a few were urged by an in- 
telligent and righteous desire to seek the truth. When 
his mind was called into action by the questions and 
remarks of his visitors, he poured out his sentiments 
with an eloquence that none were disposed to inter- 
rupt; and he was well qualified to interest them. He 
had read much; his observation had been extensive 
and correct; and a mature judgment enabled him to 
select from the stores of a retentive memory " things 
new and old," according to the state and circum- 
stances of his hearers. 

From the period when, afler deep suffering, he was 
permitted so largely to enjoy the Divine presence, he 
felt no inclination to enter into controversy, either to 
refute an opponent, or to display his own intellectual 
powers. Having partaken of those "living waters" 



MEMOIR OF EDWARD STABLER. 89 

which spring up in the redeemed soul unto everlast- 
ing life, he was now more solicitous that his hearers 
should come to the fountain in themselves and drink, 
than to amuse them with fruitless speculations, or un- 
felt truths. To draw the attention of others to the 
"beauty of holiness," to open to their view the danger 
and the suffering which attend on every departure 
from revealed truth, — were now the great objects of 
his social labours. 

It has sometimes happened, v/hen engaged in his 
business, that strangers who had called to purchase 
medicines, have made remarks which have opened 
the way for the illustration of some important truths; 
and conversations have ensued which have left im- 
pressions never to be obliterated. 

A remarkable instance of this kind will be recol- 
lected by some who read this memoir. About the 
time of that extraordinary manifestation of Divine 
light to his own mind, before alluded to, and which 
he emphatically called " the day of his espousals," he 
received a note from an unknown person requesting 
a medical prescription. Under the circumstances, he 
at first determined to decline compliance with the re- 
quest; but on further consideration he changed his 
mind, and sent what he believed the case might re- 
quire. A few days afterwards, a respectable stran- 
ger of prepossessing appearance called to thank him 
for the benefit he had received, and to pay his bill. 
After this was done, a conversation on religious sub- 
jects ensued, in which the stranger expressed some 
of his educational views of christian doctrines, which 
8* 



90 MEMOIR OF EDWARD STABLER. 

he considered radically important. Some facts in his 
own experience, which were hostile to the theory he 
had adopted, were suggested by his friend; upon 
which the truth was manifested with irresistable evi- 
dence. He returned to his lodgings gratified with the 
interview; but after the first clear light of conviction 
had passed away, his educational impressions revived, 
and arguments were suggested in their favour which 
he deemed irrefutable. As the subject was deeply 
interesting to him, he renewed his visit for the purpose 
of further discussion; but his new arguments were 
satisfactorily answered, and his mind so clearly en- 
lightened, that he again departed fully convinced of 
the truth. A cordial friendship was thus formed be- 
tween these two congenial minds, which endured 
through the lives of the parties. The stranger was 
afterwards united in membership with Friends, — be- 
came an interesting and valuable minister of the Soci- 
ety, and finally departed this life universally beloved 
and regretted by his brethren in religious profession. 

The subject of this memoir was regular in the at- 
tendance of religious meetings, when at home: and 
as the periods of the Quarterly and Yearly meetings 
returned, he always attended them, unless prevented 
by paramount duty, or by circumstances beyond his 
control. His conduct in this respect was truly exem- 
plary. Though his gift in the ministry was exercised 
to the instruction of crowded meetings, yet his conver- 
sation was listened to, perhaps with equal interest. — 
He once said, while reflecting on his own experience 



MEMOIR OF EDWARD STABLER. 91 

in social intercourse, that he believed a mind rightly 
attentive to the openings of Truth, would be led at 
times without premeditation to deliver its views for the 
sake of the standers by, as Jesus did to the Samaritan 
woman, and on other occasions; and that he might at 
some time have to visit his friends abroad with this 
particular object in view. He was never called to 
this, however, as a primary service; but it ahvays 
came in as an incidental duty of great delight to him- 
self, and to the friends whom he visited. 

In the first month 1816, he was appointed on a com- 
mittee, the object of which was to propose a course of 
action for the monthly meeting to pursue, in regard to 
a recommendation of the Yearly Meeting. The com- 
mittee subsequently made the following report, which 
exhibits the nature of the subject; viz: 

" The committee have agreed to report, that upon 
mature deliberation they are of the judgment, that in 
relation to our important testimony against slavery, 
the time has arrived when the attention of our mem- 
bers should be affectionately called to some particulars 
which, as far as they may be found practicable, would 
we believe have a tendency to advance this testimony. 
It is known that the nature of the case towards which 
the spirit of our discipline is directed, prohibits Friends 
from hiring slaves of those who hold them; it is there- 
fore believed by the committee, that an application of 
the same principle renders it desirable, that in those 
cases in which we are dependent upon others for the 
execution of our lawful business, we should give the 



92 MEMOIR OF EDWARD STABLER. 

preference to those who will perform the work by free 
men, rather than at an inferior price to employ those 
who, we may have reason to believe, will use the la- 
bour of slaves; also that Friends should avoid employ- 
ing those as servants in their families, who hire them- 
selves from their owners. 

We have not ascertained that there are any of the 
offspring of those who have been liberated by Friends, 
retained amongst us; nor that there are any cases of 
the excessive use of ardent spirits: but as our testi- 
mony strikes at the root of these two great evils, viz: 
slavery, and the improper use of spirituous liquors, as 
well as at all traffic in them, it is believed that there 
is a strong obligation upon every member to guard 
assiduously against every violation of the principle, in 
the latter as w^ell as the former case. 

With a view however to ascertain the states of the 
several cases, as well as promote an increased attention 
amongst Friends to the interesting subjects referred to 
our consideration, we are free to propose that a com- 
mittee be appointed to wiiose care the subjects may be 
consigned," &c. 

This report was concurred in by the meeting, and 
Edward Stabler and Elisha Talbott, &c., w^ere ap- 
pointed the committee, who paid such attention as the 
business required, and reported in the 7th month, that 
'•' they had not found any of the descendants of the 
African race, liberated by Friends, amongst our mem- 
bers; and that further, they believed Friends, with a 
few exceptions, were clear in respect to our testimony 
concerning ardent spirits.'* As the latter subject was, 



MEMOIR OF EDWARD STABLER. 93 

however, deemed of great interest, they felt desirous 
that overseers and other members who felt its import- 
ance, might be faithful to their duty, and encourage 
their brethren to remove each remaining obstruction to 
perfect clearness in regard to it. 

His mind was drawn in the spring of 1818, to attend 
the Yearly Meeting of Friends in Virginia, and also to 
attend and appoint some meetings in other parts of that 
State. The subject w^as impressively opened in the 
monthly meeting, and that body expressed its concur- 
rence with his prospect. It was on this occasion that 
he passed through one of those deep baptisms of spirit, 
which are found to be indispensably necessary to 
qualify for the ministry of the New Testament. His 
own health at the time was feeble, and some of his 
family were indisposed. These circumstances, com- 
bining with the weight of religious exercise through 
which he was passing, and the trial of his feelings at 
the prospect of leaving home, reduced him to a very 
low condition. He compared his desolation now to that 
of Idumea as described by the prophet: ^^ thorns shall 
come up in her palaces, nettles and brambles in the 
fortresses thereof." In the midst of this distress, no- 
thing could have induced him to commence the con- 
templated journey but an abiding conviction of duty, 
which was accompanied with the language of encour- 
agement from every member of his family competent 
to give a judgment. This state of baptism terminated 
on his departure from home; and he afterwards re- 
marked, that on the removal of this deep trial, which 



94 MEMOIR OF EDWARD STABLER. 

he believed had been sent for the correction of unchas- 
tened dispositions, he uttered mentally as he travelled 
along, this joyful exclamation, " Thou art righteous, 
O Lord, which art, and wast, and shalt be, because 
thou hast judged thus/*' 

The Yearly Meeting was held in the lower part of 
Virginia, — the scene of his early life; and he met here 
with many persons whom he had known in former 
years, as well as some of the descendants of his old 
friends. On the first day of the week, on these annual 
occasions, the number of persons who generally assem- 
bled at the meeting house, was greatly more than the 
building could contain. The seats and vacant places 
were usually filled up at an early hour, and favour- 
able positions around the house, crowded with auditors. 
On this occasion, our valued relative took a part in the 
concerns of the Society, and bore his testimony to the 
truth, in the public assemblies, in a manner instruc- 
tive and acceptable. But his usefulness was perhaps 
equally conspicuous at the private dwellings, where 
young and old were drawn around him in silent crowds 
to enjoy his instructing and highly interesting conver- 
sation. It is not affirmed that his view^s, nor even his 
catholic spirit were acceptable to all. The force of 
education and the power of habit cloud the minds of 
some in all communities, and cause them to regard 
suspiciously every doctrinal view that does not consist 
with their preconceived opinions. This infirmity may 
exist, however, in union with a christian disposition. 
Correspondency of opinion is not essential to that unity 
of the Spirit which constitutes the bond of peace. 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 95 

In the latter part of 1818, a concern on account ot 
the use of ardent spirits, again claimed the attention 
of the monthly meeting, and Edward Stabler was ap- 
pointed one of a committee to examine the condition 
of Friends in regard to that subject. In the 7th month 
of the year following, the committee informed the 
meeting, that the members, with a few exceptions, 
were clear of importing, vending, distilling, and im- 
properly usiDg this article. 

The occasion of the following letter was a mourn- 
ful one. An aged and valued friend of the writer, 
who was known and esteemed throughout the Yearly 
Meeting to which he belonged, and who had strug- 
gled for many years to support a large family, and 
also devoted himself in the mean while to the promo- 
tion of the cause of righteousness, — at length failed in 
business. He felt, after this event, that he was view- 
ed as a degraded man; and ere long the powers of 
an exhausted constitution sunk beneath the weio-ht of 
distress. 



1818: 

If there be any thing like a charge of culpabili- 
ty which can attach to him, it is that of having en- 
gaged in too much business. And, alas! how univer- 
sally has this charge been deserved by the inhabitants 
of our country for the last twenty-five years! and how 
many have been the victims who have fallen sacrifices 
to it! Upon this subject, it would appear that the 
members of the human family w^ere less attentive to 



96 MEMOIR OF EDWARD STABLER. 

facts, than on almost any other. Could they increase 
their capacities for enjoying or partaking of the things 
of time, in proportion to the extent of their acquire- 
ments, there would be some excuse for them. But it 
is evident that our capacities for such enjoyment are 
confined within very narrow limits; — and although an 
individual may possess a sufficiency to supply the ne- 
cessities of a million, he cannot without suffering 
transcend, in the use of them, the powers of one man. 
We know the attempt is often made, to proportion the 
capacities to the means of sensual enjoyment, but we 
also know, it never succeeds; — and pride, drunkenness, 
and gluttony, with their innumerable train of maladies 
and miseries, are the legible record of the failure. Were 
men to reflect on this subject with attention, aided by 
the certainty which the light of heaven affords them, 
they could not fail of being impressed with the wis- 
dom included in the question and counsel, "Seekest 
thou great things for thyself? Seek them not." 

E. S. 

In the fall of 1821, his attendance of the Yearly 
Meeting of Baltimore, was prevented by the prevalence 
of the yellow fever in a part of the town of Alexan- 
dria. Uniting in himself the characters of druggist 
and physician, and possessing the confidence of the 
people, his services could not be spared at a time like 
this. He dwelt in the healthier part of the town, and 
his family escaped the disease; but his store was situ- 
ated in the infected district, and the resort to him for 
advice and medicine was continual. A cloud of deep 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 97 

gloom overhung the community, and the hearse was 
frequently seen in the streets. The writer of this 
narrative was with him during the whole of that pe- 
riod, and observed his attention to the sick. He ad- 
ministered to their sufferings and sympathized with 
their griefs; and he afterwards expressed his undoubt- 
ed belief, from his own observation, that many who 
were little known, from the obscurity and apparent 
lowness of their situation, received the messenger of 
death with well founded calmness and joy. 

About this time he settled transiently two sons and 
two daughters on a farm; and the residence would 
have been permanent for the two young men, had it 
suited them. They were all verging to adult age; 
and at this critical period of life, the heart of their 
father was often anxious for their safety. He mani- 
fested his concern for them whenever an opportunity 
offered; and, we doubt not he was made the agent in 
the Divine hand of guarding them from much suffer- 
ing. 

The two following letters were addressed to these 
children during their residence in the country; viz : 

Alexandria, 17th of 4th mo., 1822. 
My DEAR Son, — 

Agreeably to thy request, expressed by my dear 
A. in her letter of last week, I inclose the necessary 
sum to enable thee to purchase another horse. But 
before thou concludest to purchase, I would have thee 
to obtain the judgment of some person of greater ex- 
perience than thyself; otherwise thou mayest be im- 
9 



yO LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 

posed upon, either in the price, the quality, or the age 

of the horse. does not show much regard for the 

welfare of his fellow-creatures, when his own interest 
may be served by sacrificing theirs; as is demonstrated 
by his selling intoxicating drink to those who w^ould 
destroy themselves with it if they could get enough; — 
therefore be on thy guard in relation to him, and all 
such people. I am much indebted to A. for her medi- 
cal skill and perseverance in combating my dear T's. 
sickness. I shall hope to hear next first-day, that he 
has had no relapse. The message received from thee 
that " thou felt well when at work," was particularly 
grateful to my mind; and I hope thou wilt be encour- 
aged to be diligent in thy business. It will contribute 
to thy comfort in every way, and promote thy respect- 
ability among men, and likewise increase the confi- 
dence of thy friends. Every body is willing to help 
one who is disposed to help himself. Even the selfish 
foresee that such an one may have it in his power to 
help them in return. On the contrary, all are afraid 
to assist him who is not diligent in his own concerns, 
because help bestowed in such a case is like putting 
treasure in a bag without a bottom. By all means, my 
dear son, guard against undue excitement of all sorts; 
thy constitution has a powerful tendency to passionate 
ardor, in all thy pursuits : — it is therefore greatly thy 
interest, and as greatly thy duty, to guard against it. 
x\nd neither thou nor any other person ever indulged 
it without doing wrong, and being miserable as long 
aiid as extensively as it's government was submitted 
to. The true dignity of man will always be found in 



J 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 99 

that calm, composed state of mind, which enables him 
to see clearly every thing that concerns him, and to 
judge dispassionately of every principle and mode of , 
action which may be presented to his choice — and in 
this he resembles the sun and the other lights of hea- 
ven, which are fixed, and bright, and shine continually. 
The passionate man, on the contrary, is like the light 
of a lamp or candle; every breath of opposition makes 
him tremulous — and a gust of passion will quite extin- 
guish all the brightness he possessed, and leave the 
mind to grope its way in utter darkness. 
Farewell, my dear son. 

I am, as ever, thy affectionate father, 

Edward Stabler ^ 

Alexandria, 3rd mo. 12th, 1823. 
My dear Girls, — 

The mind of your father who most affectionately 
loves you, has of late (and more particularly since 
your last acceptable visit to Alexandria) been intro- 
duced into a deep concern and bitter exercise, on ac- 
count of the appearance on your part of an inclination 
to indulge those dispositions which lead to a fondness 
for gayety of apparel, inconsistent with the self-denying 
principles and example of our Lord and Saviour Jesus 
Christ, and the precepts and examples of the truly righ- 
teous in all ages. I have travailed under it with much 
suffering, and believe I shall not be clear in ^e sight 
of heaven, without stating to you some of the views 
which have rested with great weight and authority on 
my spirit. It has been the will of Providence to in- 



100 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 

due you with understandings, and to favour you with 
privileges, superior to the generality of the human 
family: — and as all his ways are equal, just, and right, 
you may be assured that he expects in just propor- 
tion, more from you than from those to whom he has 
given fewer talents; for, " to whom much is given," 
of them much is required. And this responsibilit}^ is 
double; — first, as it regards yourselves; in whom be- 
yond all doubt, if you indulge in vanity, the fruits of 
vanity will be produced; even sorrow, confusion, and 
bitterness of soul; and your hearts will have no place 
of refuge to which you may flee for comfort or sup- 
port in the times of hereave?nent; and, secondly, as it 
respects those who may be influenced and encouraged 
by your example, to go to still greater excesses than 
yourselves. It will be in vain to say, "Are we our 
brothers' keepers?" for the blood of their sacrificed 
innocence, will cry to their and your heavenly Father 
from the ground, not only for those immediate acts by 
which it has been shed, but also for withholding that 
pure example which would have uttered the inviting 
language, "Follow us, as we follow Christ," — and 
which, if they would not have obeyed, their blood 
would have been upon their ovm heads, and you would 
have been clear. 

Now, my dear Girls, do not misunderstand me, as 
though I would insinuate that the malignant influence 
is in a piece of tortoise shell, or in materials, — or 
shape,— or color, — or cost of a garment — for I have 
no such view. But in respect to these things, as well 
as all others which have any relation to us, the state 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 101 

of mind which chooses or rejects, which is pleased or 
offended, contains essentially the whole good or evil 
of the case, as respects yourselves — as it is that which 
furnishes the example by which the same principles 
in the minds of others are fed or famished. For if 
you will seriously and candidly examine the opera- 
tions of your own minds, you cannot fail to discover 
at all times the nature of the principle in yourselves 
which is engaged in choosing or rejecting. And if 
your own wills do not oppose, it will be made plain — 
whether its nature is one with that wisdom which is 
from above, which is pure, peaceable, gentle, and 
easy to be entreated, full of mercy and of good fruits; 
or whether it partakes of the wisdom which is from 
beneath, which is earthly, sensual, and devilish. As 
these discoveries are attended to, you will not only 
behold with greater clearness than any language can 
describe, the superiority of all fruits and consequences 
of the former, — but, attracted by its beauty and ena- 
moured of its loveliness, you will delight to sit under 
its shadow; — its purity will be sweet to your taste; — 
it will take you to its banqueting house; — and its ban- 
ner over you will be love. Nor will it ever forsake 
you, unless you forsake it; but it will go with you 
through all the changes of time, and speak peace, and 
command a calm in those storms, in which the hearts 
of those who have not received the Divine Guest on 
board, will have to tremble for fear and find no help. 
It will go with you also into eternity, where it w^ll 
ivipe all tears from your eyes, and sorrow and sigh- 
ing shall be known no more. Oh! my dear children, 
9* 



102 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 

compare these unspeakable advantages, with the best 
fruits which you can ever expect to gather from vani- 
ty and the pride of the carnal mind; and can your 
excellent understandings hesitate for a moment which 
to prefer? 

Let not the cross deter you from obedience to that 
government, which will cause you to realize not only 
these benefits, but others in countless multitudes — [it 
has always been the language of the carnal mind, 
" Let him come down from the cross, and we will be- 
lieve in him,"] and will moreover double its benefits, 
by preserving you from a train of calamities equally 
innumerable, into which you must necessarily fall, if 
you will not have the Son of God to rule over you. I 
know there are influences felt in your minds, and in 
mine, and in all others, which dread the cross of 
Christ, because we see that it will " crucify the world 
to us, and us to the world:" — but as many as are 
willing to submit to its operations, do come to the 
experience of the apostle who gloried in it above all 
other things. Look again, I entreat you, to what is 
in yourselves that represents it as so desirable to be 
"conformed to the world," — and see if it has any of 
those characters which belong to the spirit which is 
of God? Whether it produces love, joy, peace, gen- 
tleness, long suffering, goodness, truth, meekness, tem- 
perance, patience? And see what it is in others, that 
will be attracted toward you by gayety of apparel and 
behaviour. 

If you see a sign hung out, that gaming and drink- 
ing are carried on within the house, what kind of cus- 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 103 

tomers will be invited to enter? Will they be the 
honest, the prudent, the temperate? — or rogues, and 
sharpers, and drunkards? In like manner, a confor- 
mity to the world in its fashions and manners, can 
only allure those to become your associates, who hav- 
ing themselves resisted or been unacquainted with the 
cross of Christ, are only pleased with those in whom 
similar principles predominate. Your own precious 
mother, when I first became acquainted with her, 
though she could not be said to be very plain, yet 
she did not dress as fancifully as you now do; — and 
before we were married, she changed her dress (from 
conviction) to entire plainness. Nor was she less 
lovely for the alteration in the view of any whose es- 
teem was worth cultivating; — but she was on the con- 
trary more estimable to the good, and incomparably 
more respectable in the view of even the vicious, than 
if she had conformed to the same principles which 
governed them. 

I most ardently wish, my dear children, to save you 
from suffering; and I know from bitter and agonizing 
experience, that a conformity to the customs and fash- 
ions of the world, is like gathering and heaping up fuel 
that must at some future time be consumed by fire; — 
and the more there is of it, the more intense will be 
the burning, — and the more extreme the suffering. 
This crisis cannot be avoided by you, nor can all the 
world deliver you from its inevitable occurrence, nor 
help you to endure its miseries : and if it does not in 
great mercy occur before, it will take place on the 
dying bed, — which has sufferings enough of its own, 



104 MEMOIR OF EDWARD STABLER. 

independent of the stings of a wounded and disordered 
spirit. May I hope that these solemn and interesting 
considerations will claim your serious consideration? 
You know that I can be actuated by no motive infe- 
rior to love, in making these representations. You 
must also be conscious that my duty is involved, as 
your only surviving parent, in doing all that I can for 
your happiness : — and it is from a full conviction of 
the truth of these things, that I am induced with inex- 
pressible affection to commend them to your obser- 
vance. I am, with love which words cannot convey. 

Your father, 

Ed^vard Stabler. 

In the summer of 1825, our beloved relative suffer- 
ed with a large and painful gathering in his right arm 
and hand; which, though produced by a slight cause, 
apparently, seriously threatened his life. He was con- 
fined to his bed for several weeks, undergoing constant 
and violent pain, until the inflammation resolved itself 
into a copious secretion of matter. His recovery from 
the extreme debility consequent on this disease, was 
very slow. Many months elapsed before his usual 
strength returned, and probably his constitution never 
fully regained its health. His right hand was perma- 
nently crippled. Throughout this sickness, as in time 
of health, his mind was continually engaged with reli- 
gious considerations, and ardent desires were breathed 
to his Heavenly Father that he might be enabled to 
submit willingly to the utmost of that dispensation. 



MEMOIR OF EDWARD STABLER. 105 

When he had so far recovered as to sit up in his 
chair, the first information reached him of the noble 
conduct of a young Virginian, who, actuated by a 
sense of justice, had freed his slaves, and at his own 
expense, but with their consent, had them transported 
to the American colony in Africa; furnishing each one 
with a comfortable outfit for his new country. As the 
account of the circumstance was read, the sympathy, 
the delight, and the gratitude of the invalid became so 
intense, that his enfeebled system could not support the 
excitement without relief from a flood of tears. We 
may see exemplified in this circumstance, the beauti- 
ful effect of actions performed under the influence of 
righteous principles. The expressions of the apostle 
seemed to be measurably fulfilled in the present case, 
" Their sound goeth out through all the earth, and their 
words to the end of the world." — Rom. x. 18. The 
liberty attained by that soul which is converted from 
evil by the influence of Divine love, is the only liberty 
which truly deserves the name. The difFe Fence be- 
tween this state, which has been the happy possession 
of many whose bodies were in bonds, — and mere per- 
sonal freedom, is so great, that the one may be desig- 
nated as being of heaven, the other of the earth. These 
reflections are not intended to lower the right estimation 
of personal liberty, but to point to that of which it can 
only be a faint resemblance. 

In the springs of 1823 and 1825, he again visited 
the Yearly Meeting of Friends in Virginia, and obtain- 
ed the liberty of appointing meetings for worship on his 



106 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 

journey. From conversations with his family, and the 
testimonials of those he visited, we learn that the effect 
of his labours among the people was salutary. His 
reception must have been cordial, for he was always 
much animated when speaking of these journeys. 

At the present period (1844) there is evidence that 
in the section of the country spoken of, the ministry of 
the departed is still remembered with gratitude. There 
is something so deeply interesting in the impressions 
received from a true gospel ministry, delivered ''in the 
demonstration of the spirit and with power," that the 
mind cannot easily forget them. 

The Eastern Shore of Maryland, including parts ad- 
jacent, and the neighbouring section of Delaware, were 
visited in the following year. In this engagement he 
spent about three months, to his great relief and com- 
fort. The follow^ing extracts are made from a letter 
to his wife, dated 

"Chester Town, 6lh mo. 12th, 1826. 
My DEAit Mary, — 

The joint letter from thyself and our dear children, 
tliough twelve days old, was nevertheless most cordial- 
ly acceptable, and all its details highly interesting; but 
I cannot notice them all in reply, as I have not ''the. 
pen of a ready writer." I am still favoured with the 
blessing of good health, and have attended five meet- 
ings since I wrote to you from Camden; all of which 
have been seasons of favour. Indeed I have not 
known, that I remember, at any former period, such 
a continued sufficiency of Divine help afforded, to open 
and apply the truths of the gospel to the states of the 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 107 

people; nor a more decided evidence of its being re- 
ceived by them in the love of it. At the same time, 
my mind has been kept humble, and I have rejoiced 
in feeling and knowing that " the excellency of the 
power was of God, and not of man." I expect to have 
an appointed meeting in this town to-morrow evening, 
and W. M. thinks that we may get through all the 
meetings so as to reach Wilmington on next first-day; 
at which place, so far as I now see, my prospect of re- 
ligious service will terminate, and I shall be at liberty 
to turn my face homewards, and hope once more to 
meet you, my dearest earthly treasures. My mind 
has been kept remarkably free from all anxiety about 
home; but at the time when I expected some of my 
dear children were on their way from Richmond, I 
could not help thinking often about them, and indulg- 
ing most ardent desires that they might be preserved 
in safety. This favour has also been granted to me. 
i(- % if- ii- Why don't you write more about my 
precious little ones? I feel sometimes as if I could 
love them almost too much, and pain them by the ar- 
dour of my embraces, if I had them with me. As I 
told you in my last, I must put off giving a detailed 
account of my journey until I get home. It has been 
thus far, most interesting and instructive to me; and 
I hope it has furnished large and renewed ground of 
confidence in the goodness and all-sufficiency of that 
blessed Power which is unchangeable; and still, as 
ever, ^^vhen he putteth forth his sheep, he goeth before 
them." May we all learn to trust and love him, for he 
is indeed worthy of all adoration and praise forever. 



108 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 

This letter, though addressed to thee, is like every- 
thing else that we have, the property in common with 
our dear children, towards whom my tenderest feelings 
of affection flow continually. -^ -^ ^ 

I remain, as ever, thy own 

Edward Stabler.'^ 

The difficulty in the use of the pen, alluded to 
above, had always existed to some extent, but the 
late gathering in his hand had greatly increased it. 
Notwithstanding this impediment, however, he was 
now more engaged than formerly in writing, because 
of a partial release from the cares of business which 
fell on his eldest son, and of the enlargement of his 
religious experience, that led him often to commune 
in this way with his absent friends. The " detailed 
account" of his travels being delivered while the cir- 
cumstances were fresh in his memory, and his heart 
was glowing with gratitude, was always exceedingly 
full of interest and instruction. 

The excellent friend to whom the following letter 
was addressed, had suggested to him the propriety of 
writing, for publication, a series of essays on the evils 
of slavery, grounding his arguments on the result of 
observations made during his late journey through the 
peninsula of Delaware and Maryland. 

Alexandria, 11th rao. 1826. 
Dear Friend, — 

Thy acceptable favour of 2nd inst. was duly 

received, and no w^ant of sincere regard for thee, or 

good will to the cause thou art desirous to promote, 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 109 

has prevented me from replying to it earlier. In my 
late religious journey over the peninsula of the Eas- 
tern Shore, I did indeed observe — as I have before 
done whenever I have travelled, or been present in a 
country where slavery was practiced — that it not only 
tended to produce outward poverty by preventing im- 
provements, and deterioration of the lands, but that it 
produced a still more disastrous penury in the minds 
of slave-holders, by divesting them of those mental 
qualities upon w^hich we are all dependent for com- 
fort, and the want of which cannot be compensated by 
even the revenues of the world. But, my dear friend, 
I have also observed, they have felt and experienced 
this state of things in all its bitter reality, and yet they 
are unwilling to abandon the causes of this double 
poverty, this incalculable affliction. If then these 
powerful incentives, these perpetual monitors w^hich 
are speaking to them, not in the feeble voice of words, 
but in the irresistible language of suffering and pri- 
vation, cannot persuade them, — what can be expect- 
ed from the impotent efforts of the most powerful elo- 
quence of man, when addressed only to their eyes 
or ears. 

I have long been of the persuasion, that much of the 
good that might have been done, has been obstructed 
by the attempts which have been made to abolish sla- 
very, having originated and been prosecuted upon 
political, instead of religious motives and convictions. 
This has confined the views of the advocates for 
emancipation to one side only of the subject. They 
have seen, in so prominent an aspect, the wrongs and 
10 



110 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 

sufferings of the slave^ that the still greater calamities 
of the master have been scarcely noticed. The course 
of their remarks, therefore, as well as their operations, 
have been directed against the latter as the immedi- 
ate cause of the sufferings they would obviate. And 
nothing else could have been reasonably expected 
than what has really taken place, as a consequence 
of this mode of proceeding; the slave-holder has con- 
sidered himself injuriously assailed, — his mind has 
become exasperated, and he has placed himself upon 
the defensive, or become an assailant in his turn; and 
the result has been, that, like all other political con- 
tentions, the conflict has been degraded into a combat 
of persons, instead of a contest between the principle's 
of right and wrong. 

The latter constitute, and always have constituted 
the scene and instruments of true religious effort; and 
hence the astonishing success which attended the ori- 
ginal movements of John Woolman and his fellow- 
labourers, in relation to slavery in our Society. Their 
attention, became, in the first instance, forcibly directed 
to the powers of justice, opposing the principles of injus- 
tice in themselves; of mercy, arrayed against cruelty; 
love, against hatred; and goodness against evil. In this 
way, the mysteries of godliness and iniquity, became 
radically opened to their understandings; and having 
been made conquerors through Him that loved them, 
and dispensed to them these good and perfect gifts, 
which are in their nature antagonist to all manner 
of evil, — they went forth to others to persuade and ad- 
monish them, armed with no other weapons but these, 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. Ill 

which they had tried, and which had given them the 
victory, and by which alone the victory ever can be 
achieved. They perceived that cruelty, injustice, and 
oppression, were no less tyrants to the master, than 
when they came to operate upon the slave; — and that 
if the slave was to be pitied for what he suffered from 
them, the master, being the subject of the same ma- 
levolent influences, was no less to be pitied than the 
slave. This made the slave-holder and the slave the 
equal objects of tender solicitude. These good men 
could form a just estimate of the situation of both, by 
what they themselves had suffered and observed from 
the influence of corrupt principles; and meeting and 
communing vvith the slave-holders upon the real 
grounds, or causes of their sufferings, their language 
was like the language at Pentecost, understood by 
every nation under heaven, because it related to what 
they knew and felt. 

It has often fallen to my lot to converse with slave- 
holders; I am therefore authorized to state the above 
views as facts; and these facts go to confirm the per- 
suasion, that there are now so many combatants with 
political weapons engaged in this warfare, that it has 
assumed a new character; and it is now a difficult if 
not an impracticable affair to enter the field with any 
prospect of advantage or success, upon those legitimate 
terms which only are admissible by a christian spirit. 

With much cordiality of esteem, I subscribe ray- 
self. 

Thy affectionate friend, 

Edward Stabler. 



112 MEMOIR OF EDWAED STABLER. 

We may add, that since he had felt it his duty to 
withdraw from a benevolent society (see page 37,) he 
had avoided all such connections, and his counsel was 
the means of preventing one of his family from pursu- 
ing that course. He believed that his efforts would be 
more purely directed by the right influence, standing 
alone, than when subjected to the control of persons 
who had not passed through the same discipline w^ith 
himself. 

In the spring of 1827, he was again drawn by the 
power of gospel love to attend the Yearly Meeting of 
New York, and to appoint some meetings in New Jer- 
sey, Pennsylvania, Delaware and Maryland. During 
and after the present period, some allusions will be 
found in his correspondence to the disturbed condition 
of the Society of Friends. Having weighed maturely 
the circumstances of the division which had lately 
taken place, and examined the ground of the two par- 
ties, he came to a clear and decided judgment, that 
the deep, spiritual, and practical views of Elias Hicks, 
so little understood and so greatly misrepresented, were 
in accurate accordance with the Christian religion. 
He held fast, accordingly, to the Truth, and found his 
usefulness and comfort both enlarged. Of his intimate 
friends who joined the other party, some viewed him 
with regret, as a wanderer from the true fold, while 
others treated him with coldness and disrespect. The 
great body of his own Yearly Meeting and the monthly 
meeting of Alexandria, then were and continued to be 
in full unity with him. 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 113 

The following letters give some account of this jour- 
ney. 

Jericho, 6th mo. 7th, 1827. 

Thine and my dear Elizabeth's letter of last seventh 
and first-days, came to hand last evening. The infor- 
mation of your general health was indeed very grate- 
ful, and for which with many other mercies my heart 
was, I think, made truly thankful. I feel sorry that 
my incapacity as a scribe, prevents me from giving 
you in detail an account of my proceedings; but you 
must endeavour to be content with generalities until 
my return, if that should be the Divine will, when I 
hope to amuse, if not instruct you with a relation of 
many interesting circumstances. I am now writing 
at the house of the dear old patriarch, Elias Hicks; 
having attended this day a very favoured and interest- 
ing meeting in the place of worship to which he be- 
longs. This is the fourth that I have attended on 
Long Island, — all of them seasons which I shall not 
readily forget. It will give thee and my dear children 
much pleasure to be informed, that we are every where 
received with open hearts, by as kind and affectionate 
Friends as I ever saw or ever heard of. It may be 
said truly, that our hearts fare sumptuously every day: 
and this state of things occurring immediately after 
the most tumultuous and uncomfortable Yearly Meet- 
ing that I ever sat in, — gives a double relish to every 
thing we feel, or partake of. I never saw the equal 
of the endeavours made by some in that meeting, to 
sow discord and confusion: but they were ultimately 
defeated in their purposes. * * * At the public 
10* 



114 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 

meeting on fourth-day, at Rose street in New York, I 
had a much more full opportunity of relieving my mind 
from exercise, than I had had before, to a very large 
and deeply attentive audience. ^ ^ * With a 
heart overflowing with love to thee and all my pre- 
cious children, I must conclude, and am thy truly af- 
fectionate 

Edward Stabler. 

To his Wife. 

New York, 6lh mo. 12th, 1827. 

I am here again, after having visited all the meet- 
ings on Long Island. And 1 can say, with gratitude 
to the gracious Author of all our mercies, that never 
have I known a greater fullness of Divine sufliciency, 
in affording clear and persuasive openings of the bless- 
ed certainties of gospel Truth, — than during this visit. 
The people were, for the time, affected by its loveliness^ 
and the certainty of its power to bless and to save them; 
and I cannot but hope that these impressions will be 
sealed upon many minds, so as not to be removed. 
The last opportunity, at Matinicock on first-day, was 
the crown to the whole. A great multitude of people 
were collected, and dear old Elias and a number of 
other ministers and elders attended from the neigh- 
bouring meetings; but the whole public service was 
laid on me, and a more solemn or interesting meeting 
I think I never was in. 

In the afternoon, when we were about to part with 
Elias and a number of others, we had a most precious 
uniting season; in which the melting and cementing 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 115 

power of Divine love gathered us all under its heaven- 
ly influence, young and old, as the heart of one man — 
being actuated and blessed by the same life. 

With much thankfulness, I can say that my health 
is remarkably good; and my prayers are that all my 
precious ones may be favoured with the same, if con- 
sistent with the Divine will. Make my dear little ones 
sensible of the love their absent father feels for them — 
the elder ones know it without being told. 

Edward Stabler. 

To Us Wife, 

Troy, 6th mo. 18lh, 1827. 
My dear Mary, — 

A very interesting passage on board of a steam- 
boat, through the most picturesque country that I ever 
saw, brought us from New York to Albany. We had 
upwards of one hundred passengers. We are now 
with the hospitable family of our friend I. M., in this 
beautiful town, "whose merchants are princes, and 
her traffickers the honourable of the earth." But I 
must go back to say that I attended the two meetings 
in New York last fourth and fifth-days; both of them 
interesting and solemn opportunities; — where the Holy 
hand of Divine help was eminently extended, and the 
triumph of the blessed Truth appeared to be complete. 
Thus far, I have not encountered any personal opposi- 
tion. We attended two meetings here yesterday, and 
I expect to have a public meeting to-morrovv\ 

I was very much interested with my dear Rebecca's 
narrative of little Henry's disappointment. I hope it 



116 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 

will be of great use to the precious boy, by showing 
liim how dear a price he pays for disobedience to pro- 
per regulations, which may induce him to avoid it in 
future as a bad bargain. 

I am gratified to find the public mind, in a remark- 
able manner, open to receive those views which are 
given to me of the nature, realities, and effects of the 
gospel of Christ. In these illustrations, my heart has 
gratefully to acknowledge the unspeakable goodness 
of my Divine Master, in bringing before the view of 
my mind, with the clearness of demonstration, ^' things 
both new and old;" so that opposition is paralyzed in 
some minds, and a blessed encouragement is afforded 
to others to persevere in the way of well-doing; — clear- 
ly perceiving that "the work of righteousness shall be 
peace, and the effect of righteousness, quietness and 
assurance forever." 

My health continues to be remarkably preserved. 
* ^ * My kind brother P. and sister S. with our 
Margaret J., have left a good report behind them, which 
I meet with wherever I cross, or fall into the path they 
have travelled. I feel that I ought to be grateful to 
them, for the help that their good conduct thus aflTords 
to their poor, wandering brother: but the greatest of 
all earthly supports and encouragements that my mind 
has access to, is the precious, the delightful hope of re- 
turning, when my service is over, to the bosom of my 
own family, whose members are all inexpressibly dear 
to the heart of their 

Edavard Stabler. 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 117 

Trenton, 7th mo. 6th, 1827. 

My dear William's and Elizabeth's letter of the 2nd 
inst. was placed in my hands on the evening of the 4th. 
Truly, I have cause for gratitude to the Fountain of 
mercies, for the preservation of my family in the com- 
fort and health they have been favoured with, while I 
am wandering about so far from them. I spent last 

third-day with . They received and entertained 

me kindly; but there were very evidently clouds in the 
horizon of their minds, to which we did not make any 
allusion. 

Thus far, the Lord our merciful Helper has wonder- 
fully supported me, and given me ability to advocate 
his blessed cause, and the earth has been silent before 
him. He seems to be opening a way for the spread- 
ing of his blessed Truth, even by those convulsions 
which seem to short-sif^hted man to militate ao^ainst 
it; and the testimonies which I am enabled to bear to 
it, seem to be received with cordiality, and without 
opposition. 

My time is limited, so that I cannot write you a 
long letter now; but I can assure you that my heart 
is as full of love, ardent love for you as ever; and I 
hope to be able in one week more, to give you some 
account of the period when you may look for me at 
home. Love to all my friends and relations, concludes 
me for the present, your affectionate 

Edw^ard Stabler. 

The extreme illness of one of his younger children, 
occasioned him so much anxiety during the latter part 



118 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 



I 



of this journey, that he felt hmiself at liberty to re- 
turn for awhile, and watch over his sick bed. The 
little boy recovered; and his father in due time re- 
sumed his interesting labours. 

The following letter to his family, was written during 
his second journey. 

Darby, 11th mo. 14th, 1827. 

''I have been very busily engaged since I left Wil- 
mington. From that place I went to Philadelphia; 
and thence the next day, to Abington Quarterly meet- 
ing. It was the first they had held without interrup- 
tion, and it was a memorable time; — a time of unity, 
love, and condescension, such as we have read of, but 
such as I have never seen until now. It has been 
the same in all the meetings I have attended; and so 
it was pre-eminently in Concord Quarterly meeting, 
held yesterday at this place. My friends have receiv- 
ed me with overwhelming kindness. * * I met 
with our dear friends Valentine Hicks and family in 
Philadelphia, and they gave me a pleasing account of 
their visit, with the information that they had left thee 
and my precious children in good health. Thine and 
my dear William's letter came to hand while I was at 
Abington; and surely, I never loved all of you more 
than I do now. I shall be very anxious to hear from 
you; and you will please to write immediately, and 
direct to the care of Joseph Bringhurst at Wilming- 
ton, who will find some way to send the letter to me. 

With warm love to all my precious ones, I am as 

ever most affectionately your 

Edward Stabler." 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 119 

The interest which was felt in our beloved relative 
by his friends in Alexandria, was so much increased 
by his expanding views, self-denial, and dedication of 
spirit, — that each successive return to his home ap- 
peared to be greeted with warmer feelings. 

The following extract describes his own sensibility 
on one of these occasions: "I was favoured to arrive 
safe at home, and find my precious family in good 
health. Every beloved eye sparkled to see me, and 
every dear bosom throbbed with satisfaction. To my- 
self, it was a confluent ecstasy of feeling which lan- 
guage cannot describe." 

His attachment to his friends abroad, was also 
strengthened by his late intercourse with them, and 
he gave utterance to his sentiments in the following 
series of letters. 

Alexandria, 12th mo. 1827. 

I should not do justice to the feelings which your 
kindness and affectionate attentions excited in my 
heart, during my late visit, if I did not, in the only 
way that is now in my power, assure you that the re- 
membrance of my dear friends is still very affection- 
ately cherished. I arrived safely at home, the seventh 
day week after I parted with you at West Grove. — 
My dear family were all in good health, and my 
friends disposed to greet my return with their accus- 
tomed cordiality and kindness. 

I feel the importance of these blessings; — and am 
aware that they not only call for thankfulness to the 
gracious Dispenser of them, — but that watchfulness is 
also necessary, to prevent the gifts from occupying too 



120 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 

large a space in my affections, where the Giver is 
only worthy, and ought to be supreme. For, grate- 
ful and precious as all outward blessings are, they are 
still in their nature transient and perishable; nor can 
they, even when possessed, satisfy our appetites for 
enjoyment. 

The soul is spiritual, and must have food corres- 
pondent with its nature, or it will famish. This food 
is the " bread that cometh down from heaven, and 
giveth life unto the world : not as the fathers did eat 
manna in the wilderness and are dead;^^ — and as 
others have fed on the fruits of the earth, and are dead 
also: — but we want that food upon which we can "live 
forever;" — and it is graciously offered to our accep- 
tance, in the " good and perfect gifts which come from 
above," and which are as really nourishing and sus- 
taining to our souls, as outward food is to our bodies. 

But, alas! my dear friends, you know as well or 
better than myself, how it is with too large a propor- 
tion of the professors of religion. Misled by the views 
which they have derived from education, their atten- 
tion is turned to outward and absent things; and they 
seem to think that they are to know nothing here of 
the saving realities of religion, but by notions, and 
opinions, and doctrines, &;c. — when at the same time 
they are all compelled to know, that those things 
which defile them and destroy their peace, all proceed 
from within, and are present with them; — and that all 
doctrines and opinions are without power to dislodge 
or control the least of these. The nature of the case 
therefore evidently requires, that " where the carcass 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 121 

is, there should the eagles be gathered together;'*' — and 
that we stand in indispensable need of present powers, 
as real in their nature as the enemies which annoy 
and distress us, — to deliver us from them. And as our 
defilements are produced " by evil thoughts" and liv- 
ing corruptions, our heavenly Father has in his ever- 
lasting kindness opened within us a " fountain of liv- 
ing water," — by the birth of his own Divine life within 
us; the streams of which shall make glad the city of 
God. They consist of the living principles of love, 
joy, peace, goodness, &c. which are in their nature 
antagonist 1o all the principles of evil; and will wash 
the mind from the defilements of these, as certainly as 
elementary water will cleanse the flesh from its de- 
filements; and this is the '' baptism of the Holy Spirit," 
which cleanses us from all iniquity; — and that can 
** present us faultless before the presence of his glory, 
with exceeding joy." 

I can but touch upon these things in the compass 
of a letter; — the subject is copious enough to fill the 
world with volumes, and still be unexhausted. But 
as I feel deeply for my endeared fellow-creatures in 
relation to this all important subject, — my thoughts 
seem to turn naturally to it when I am addressing 
any of them; and to you I am persuaded it will not be 
an unacceptable subject. 

I wish you to present my affectionate remembrance 
to your children, as you may fall in company with 
them; — and to your dear E. say on behalf of her ab- 
sent friend, " Hold fast that which thou hast, let no 
human power take thy crown from thee. Thou hast 
11 



122 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 

seen the beauty of holiness and innocence, and if thou 
wilt give the government of thy mind to them, they 
will " deck thee with ornaments, and jewels, and broi- 
dered work, — and put a beautiful crown upon thy 
head; and thou wilt become exceedingly beautiful 
through the comeliness which thy God will put upon 
thee." I feel for that dear child as if she were my 
own, and shall rejoice in her prosperity. With much 
love, I remain your friend, 

Edward Stabler. 

Alexandria, l^th mo. 24th, 1827. 
My dear Friend,— 

As 1 trust thy mind continues under the govern- 
ment of those pure and precious powers, which are the 
gifts of God through our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the 
life of the Divine nature generated in the human by 
the descent of the ^' power of the Highest, and the over- 
shadowing of the Holy Spirit," — I shall not fear for 
thy safety, nor doubt that all things will work together 
for thy good, — and for the promotion of the gospel of 
peace, as far as thou mayst be made an instrument 
for the purpose. 

I have lately returned from finishing a religious visit 
to Friends in Pennsylvania, which was begun last sum- 
mer, and from which I was permitted to return before 
it was accomplished, on account of the extreme illness 
of one of my children. But I have been abundantly 
satisfied that the measure was best. My son recover- 
ed; — 'and the powerful commotion which then agitated 
the Society, had gone on and produced its necessary 



LETTER OF' EDWARD STABLER. 123 

effect, a division. Among the Friends that I visited, 
there was a degree of vitality and susceptibility that I 
had not expected ever to witness. The people throng- 
ed to meetings in great numbers; and the large assem- 
blies were uniformly covered with a solemnity, which 
as "a bright cloud" afforded a sweet evidence that 
God was with us, to instruct us and to heal us. And 
however various our spiritual maladies may be, I am 
entirely satisfied that in him there is "virtue" to heal 
them all. 

I therefore cannot but rejoice at the present state 
of things, (though it is the cause of much mourning to 
many,) because I see in it the influence of a Power 
that is stirring up the stagnant pool of religious profes- 
sion^ which, like that at Bethesda, has yielded no heal- 
ing influence to those who have been immersed in it. 
But those commotions are working wonderfully in the 
minds of all who are disposed to learn the Truth for 
themselves, by making in their own hearts a separa- 
tion between the precious and the vile, — between the 
living and the dead. They are showing them the dif- 
ference between the systems of men, which are formed 
of doctrines, creeds, and opinions, — and which the worst 
of human beings can get by rote and repeat, as well as 
the hest^ — and that immeasurable host of living powers 
which are in their nature destructive of all evil; and 
under the influence of which, man cannot be the ser- 
vant of sin^ 

Thus it is that mercy, if submitted to, will deliver its 
votary from cruelty; — love, from hatred; — gentleness. 



124 MEMOIR OF EDWARD STABLER. 

irom fierceness; — goodness, from evil; &c. Now these 
are the gifts of God, not the donations of men. They 
come down from heaven, and are not of earthly origin. 
They constitute the body, the branches, the fruit, and 
the leaves of '^ the tree of Life that groweth in the 
Paradise of God;" — and those who feed upon it shall 
live forever. I know of nothing so interesting and 
important as these living powers, which issue to us 
from the fountain of Divine Life in us. They are the 
greatest source of enjoyment m tiine; and by their 
fruits now, they demonstrate what their effects will he 
forever; agreeably to the expression of the apostle, 
" Godliness is profitable unto all things; having the 
promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to 
come.'' 

I expect thou art apprized by a better Teacher than 
I am, of the necessity of being watchful and vigilant; — 
lest by any means the stand which thou hast taken, 
and which will place many eyes in a watching state 
toward thee, — should furnish any of them with cause 
to doubt the efficacy of the precious donations of Christ 
to save from evil, and thereby prevent thee from fall- 
ing; — as well as to redeem thee from every wrong 
thing by which, through inadvertency or inexperience, 
thou mayst have been led captive. I feel a true 
affection for thee, and cannot form a wish more preg- 
nant with blessings, than that thou mayst be made 
a possessor of the love of Christ which passeth know- 
ledge. Thy friend, 

Edward Stabler. 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 125 

To Elias Hicks. 

Alexandria, 1st mo. 19th, 1828. 
My beloved Friend, — 

I have often remembered thy kind request when 
I was about to part from thee, that I would write to 
thee; — and truly I have often felt a sufficient degree 
of love to have induced the effort; but as I had nothing 
particularly upon my mind to say, I was unwilling to 
force myself to make an offering. Yet the important 
movements and changes which are now in progression 
in the Society of Friends, furnish a copious theme, so 
abounding with incidents of an interesting character 
that volumes might be filled with them. 

Alas ! how do systems of religion lead the children 
of men to overlook the omnipresent and illimitable 
''power and wisdom of God,^' who being unchangeable 
in his nature, "is the same yesterday, to-day, and for- 
ever;" — always working in the same way in relation 
to the same states; and being as fully disposed to re- 
deem and to bless his creatures in the present day, as 
he was at any former period. Were facts duly con- 
sidered by every mind that is seriously engaged in the 
examination of the all-important subject of religion, 
they would demonstrate the certainty of the foundation 
of all true christian doctrine, viz : that a birth of the 
Divine Life is generated in man " by the Holy Spirit 
coming upon him, — by the power of the Highest over- 
shadowing him." This birth in him is Christ, Im- 
manuel, God with him; and becomes in every soul 
the "Fountain of living water," from which all the 
11* 



126 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 

Streams of righteousness and wisdom exclusively issue. 
In proportion as he partakes of these, he is preserved 
from evil; and as he forsakes them, he falls into ini- 
quity: — and when fallen, these streams become the 
waters of that spiritual baptism which can alone 
cleanse him from his pollutions, and renew him again 
into the pure and innocent state in which he was 
created. In this state, and in this state only, can he 
have '^ peace, quietness, and assurance forever." The 
righteous in every generation have been indebted to 
this holy life, operating in them for their salvation: — 
and they that have been redeemed in all ages, have 
been redeemed by it; nor has any human being ever 
known any other saving or redeeming power, hut this. 
But although it is true, that this heavenly life was 
manifested '^ in times past, and in divers manners" to 
every variety of state and condition, — and a true re- 
cord has been preserved of what was done for and in 
others, — unhappily, many of our fellow-creatures, like 
the Jews formerly, in their zeal for the truth of what 
was done in former times and for other people, — seem 
to forget his infinitude and omnipresence: — and when 
he comes in their flesh to redeem them, and " to bless 
them by turning every one of them from their iniqui- 
ties," they reject and crucify him for the sake of their 
outward law, and carnal usages. 

With much truth of affection, 

I am thy sincere friend, 

Edward Stabler. 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 127 

Alexandria, 2nd mo. 1st, 1828. 
My DEAR YOUNG F'rIEND, — 

How can I promote thy happiness so effectually 
in regard to thyself, as by an endeavour to turn thy 
(already awakened) attention to the inspection of those 
precious realities, which being of universal importance 
to the children of men, in all their various states and 
conditions, — are, by the kindness of our heavenly Fa- 
ther, rendered accessible to the young and the old, the 
good and the evil? I have, however, witnessed in 
my own experience while young, the perplexing effects 
of that indefinite mode of inculcating the truths of the 
gospel, which has almost universally prevailed among 
the professors of the christian name. But I am not 
about to charge it upon them as a fault, — but rather 
to state it (which is the truth of the matter) as the ne- 
cessary consequence of following the paths of prescrip- 
tion and tradition, instead of consulting the original 
principles by which alone the truth and power of salva- 
tion and redemption can be known or experienced. I 
have often felt, in my younger years, that poverty and 
nakedness of spirit which stood in need of food and clo- 
thing; but found them unrelieved by hearing or read- 
ing the vague admonition, "be ye fed; and be ye 
clothed;" when the things themselves which would 
have supplied my necessities, were not pointed out. 

We are told by an inspired writer, that the clothing 
of the New Jerusalem was " fine linen, clean and 
white. '^ He does not, however, leave the figure with- 
out a definition; but goes on to say, " which is the righ- 
teousness of saints." The powers then which consti- 



1^8 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 

tute righteousness, form the true garments of all who 
become inhabitants of that " holy city." And in rela- 
tion to these, there is no necessity to trust our safety up- 
on an implicit faith in mysteries or unknown things, — 
for it is self-evident: — and unless the souls of the chil- 
dren of men become so ignorant as not to perceive the 
difference between love and hatred, — kindness and an- 
ger, — mercy and cruelty, &c. — or should be uncon- 
scious of the difference in their influences to produce 
happiness and misery, — surely they cannot fail of cer- 
tainty in the knowledge that the fine linen, clean and 
white, " which is the righteousness of saints," is as 
really composed of a combination of the powers of 
goodness, thus universally distributed for acceptance, 
as linen is formed by the interwoven threads which 
constitute its fabric. And truly, they who are clothed 
with it are adorned with beauty; — they are protected 
from the storms and tempests of unholy passions and 
excitements; and surely they are saved ! 

The same may be said with equal truth, of the spi- 
ritual food by which only the soul can be sustained, 
and " grow in stature day by day, and in favour with 
God and man:" for, as Joseph said of the dreams of 
Pharaoh, '' they are one." For the same principles of 
rigliteousness which clothe the soul with purity, and 
defend it from suffering, also constitute "the bread 
that cometh down from heaven, and giveth life to the 
world." 

Thus, my dear young friend, it is in the power of 
all of us to know, by a reference to living experience, 
the truth of that gospel which has for its objects, "Glo- 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 129 

ry to God in the highest; on. earth peace, good will to 
men." For, trace the principles of goodness to any 
extent that we may, — they will always be foiind in- 
variably conducing to these ends: — and the blessed 
Fountain from which they issue to us, is the ^'Christ, — 
the Immanuel, — God with us." The existence of this 
Saviour in former times, as testified of in the scrip- 
tures, together with what he has always done for his 
people, — can never be understood by, or adequately 
known to us, but by a reference to the same Divine 
power in us, — doing the sam.e things for us that he 
did for them, — as " God's salvation to the ends of the 
earth." 

This is as much a fact, as that we cannot know 
any thing of the effects of light or heat (or any other 
natural agent) upon the former generations of the hu- 
man race, but by the presence of the same agents 
operating in the same way upon us that they did upon 
them. The greatest evil perhaps that ever appeared 
among men, has been the substitution of imagination 
for experience, and conjectures for facts, in relation to 
the momentous subject of jRe%zo7z; and \his is swper- 
siition, I have felt its enthralling power, and known 
its bewildering influence : and I would willingly guard 
others from wandering in the same unprofitable mazes 
of error and disappointment, which made my existence 
a burden, — and strewed my path with sorrows. For 
our souls are possessed of an irrepressible hunger for 
good, which no earthly enjoyment can satisfy, — no 
religious theory appease. These then, ought to be 
abandoned, from their demonstrated inability to per- 



130 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 

form what we stand in need of and vainly expect from 
them; — more especially, as our experience and obser- 
vation afford plentiful evidence, that love is the agent 
by which all human beings are made affectionate, — 
that humility makes them humble, — and kindness 
makes them kind, &c. These therefore are realities 
of undeniable efficacy; — they are knowable with posi- 
tive certainty; — and their dominion is always a double 
blessing; first, from their own heavenly influence;— 
and secondly, by annihilating their opposing princi- 
ples, and thereby preventing all their disastrous conse- 
quences. 

I remain thy very affectionate friend, 

Edward Stabler. 

Alexandria, 2nd mo. 18th, 1828. 
My dear Friends, — 

I have very often contemplated with much earn- 
estness of feeling, the spectacle of professors of religion 
seeking to be '^ ?nade perfect hy the flesh,' ^ which Jesus 
himself declared ^^ profiteth nothing:" for, it is worthy 
of notice, that it was of his own flesh that he was then 
speaking, as you will find by consulting the 6th chap- 
ter of John. But the views of those to whom he was 
addressing himself, being altogether outward, they had 
misunderstood his preceding expressions, and said, 
"how can this man give us his flesh to eat?" and to 
correct this mistake, the above declaration was made 
by him, 

I am abundantly sensible, from my own experience, 
that while our views are outward, we can form no 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 131 

Other than outward estimates of the all-important sub- 
ject of religion : and hence it is that the world has in 
all ages been full of outward religion, variously modi- 
fied by education and social influence; but incapable 
of producing any higher or better effects than to gov- 
ern, wdth more or less efficacy, the affairs of the out- 
ward creature of this world. Its ^^ meats, and drinks, 
and divers washings, and carnal ordinances," are only 
applicable to this creature, and have no power to 
" make the comers thereunto perfect, as pertains to 
the conscience." How vain and unprofitable, then, is 
a dependance upon even the most perfect and power- 
ful of outward things, to effect the important change 
" from the image of the earthly to the image of the 
heavenly !" For instance; suppose that you or I had 
an open vision, equal in magnificence and splendour 
to that which Peter, James, and John beheld on mount 
Tabor, when the fashion of their Master's countenance 
was changed, " his face shining as the sun, and his 
garments white as the light," — could it be of any more 
or greater advantage to us, than it was to them? But, 
we find from the records of scripture, that this glorious 
display did not instruct them at all in the nature of 
his kingdom, nor imbue them with its powers; nor were 
they qualified even to be his ^' witnesses," until they 
were made partakers of his spirit, — the same by which 
all his works were performed, and in which he pro- 
mised to be with them " ahvays, even to the end of the 
w^orld." If then the actual, visible display of the holi- 
ness, the wisdom, the power, and the glory which ex- 
isted in him, w^ere powerless to make them partakers 



132 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 

of the kingdom of Christ, or to inform them of the 
true nature of it, or of Him, — how more than feeble 
must be our imperfect conjectures concerning the same 
things, formed from the mere history of them, which 
has been transmitted to us through the uncertain me- 
diums of fallible copyists and translators; or the still 
more fallible interpretations of men who have evinc- 
ed their unfitness for the service, by a conduct and 
conversation the reverse of his whom they profess to 
serve? 

But, blessed be his holy name, we are not left in 
this mournful predicament; nor are the unspeakable 
benefits of present and eternal felicity made depen- 
dent upon circumstances so limited and corruptible; 
for the life that is in him is the light of men, and " is 
the true light that lighteth every man that cometh into 
the world." It is Divine, immortal, and unchange- 
able; — an everlasting fountain of living waters; — from 
which, in the utmost reality, all the streams of righte- 
ousness, goodness, and truth, perpetually flow to the 
human soul. These, and not the history of their ope- 
rations, constitute " the river, the streams whereof 
make glad the city of God." This must have been 
true before the scriptures were written, or the scrip- 
tures which testify to it could not be a true record. 
And it is by these powers alone, that we can ascertain 
the truth of the scriptures; for the things written of, 
are the true interpreters of the words written; and 
every thing short of these, can only inspire mere con- 
jectures about unknown things. 



i 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 133 

The counsel, therefore, which all the affectionate 
feelings of my spirit tender to you, is, Let not your 
hearts be troubled with the rumours and conjectures of 
your own, or other minds, concerning outward, absent, 
or distant things. It is too obvious to be disputed, that 
" a man's enemies are they of his own household." 
And what stronger evidence can be necessary to 
prove, that if he is to be delivered from them, his Sa- 
viour must be within him? agreeably to the declara- 
tion, " Ye know him, for he dwelleth with you, and 
shall be in you." 

In relation to the prepared body, in which our Di- 
vine Master was manifested eighteen hundred years 
ago, unless the advocates for its being in heaven at the 
right hand of God, can prove that it was not Jlesh and 
blood, their views will oppose the declaration of the 
apostle, that " flesh and blood cannot inherit the king- 
dom of God." But could we know all about it, where 
it is now, or w^hat became of it when it disappeared, — 
I do not see any advantage that could accrue to us 
from such knowledge; seeing "it is the Spirit that 
quickeneth, the flesh profiteth nothing." 

I shall long remember, with much affection, your 
attention and kindness when I was with you, and 
should be glad to return it in kind to you, or any of 
your friends who may place it in the power of your 
friend, 

Edward Stabler. 



12 



134 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 

To a long tried, and intimate Friend. 

Alexandria, 3rd rao. 1st, 1828. 

My dear FmEND, — 

The trials of Friends in Ohio, mentioned in the 
letter of which thou wast so kind as to send a copy to 
T. W. and myself, excited much feeling for them; and 
awakened deep solicitude that they may avail them- 
selves of the liberal bounty of a gracious Providence, 
who unsparingly dispenses for the acceptance of his ra- 
tional creatures, his ^'good and perfect gifts" of "righ- 
teousness, goodness, and Truth," as the armour with 
which they may at once defend themselves against all 
the assaults of evil, and successfully combat its various 
powers, whether operating in themselves or through 
others : and I do not see the possibility of a victory that 
can be of any advantage to them, but what is achieved 
with these weapons. If they avail themselves of these, 
they will not be permitted to sacrifice their religious 
liberty at the command of any worldly power, how- 
ever great; nor be seduced from their allegiance to 
the King of kings, by the example of " all kindreds, 
nations, tongues and people;" nor be driven from the 
path of duty, by threats of sufferings to be inflicted by 
their fellow- mortals : but in maintaining their righteous 
cause, they will show forth by '^a godly conversation, 
coupled with fear,'* the innocence and purity of a gos- 
pel spirit, which will shorten their season of trial, and 
speak to all who behold them with more persuasive 
eloquence, than the tongues of men or of angels. 

I have also often felt for my brethren, who have 
assumed the unhappy position of "lords over God's 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 135 

heritage." For, under no possible circumstances that 
I can conceive of, can such a state be other than a 
gnawing worm and a tormenting fire to them; nor can 
they maintain that position by the "armour of righ- 
teousness;" but must form an alliance with, and avail 
themselves of the assistance of anger, and hatred, and 
evil speaking, &;c. We have all of us probably known 
enough of the nature and effects of these tempers, to 
be assured of the impossibility of happiness to a human 
soul that is pursuing a course which must be support- 
ed by their assistance. 

If I have ever received any true impression of the 
nature of the christian religion, it distinctively consists 
in the operations of Christ, the "wisdom and power 
of God," manifested in the flesh individually and col- 
lectively of all the rational creation, —as a spiritual 
fountain from which, and from which alone, all the 
streams of righteousness have ever flowed. This is 
the only "mediator between God and man." It is "the 
way, — the truth, — and the life." And no man can 
come, or ever did come to the Father, but by this 
spiritual and Divine birth, or "Scm of God." He is 
not, and cannot be a person, — any more than wisdom 
and power can be persons; — but he is manifested in 
persons, and becomes in them the "wisdom of God" to 
instruct them, and "the power of God" to save them. 
He begins our salvation, by "convincing us of sin." 
He advances it, by "convincing us of righteousness." 
He completes it, by "delivering us from iniquity." His 
birth in man gives propriety to one of the appellations 
he has assumed, viz. the "son of man^" but God is 



136 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 

always his Father. And in his relation to human na- 
ture, the soul of man stands only in the state of mater- 
nity; but he comes always, and to every condition, "in 
the power of his Father, and with the holy angels," — 
to divide and to separate all the good and evil that are 
in the world of man, " as a shepherd divideth his sheep 
from the goats." To the first, he declares, "Come, ye 
blessed of my Father;" — not as conferring a new state 
of being which they had not before, but as declarative 
of their real nature and fitness to "inherit the kingdom 
prepared for them from the foundation of the world." 
And the children of men are made partakers of this 
blessing, which is unchangeably and eternally true of 
goodness, only whenever and in just proportion to the 
degree in which they feed, visit, clothe, and minister 
to the holy and heavenly principles which are the off- 
spring of the Divine nature, — the brethren of Christ, — 
and the " ministering spirits sent forth to minister for 
them that shall be the heirs of salvation." For, as 
they are the only powers by which intelligent beings 
can know the will of God, or do it — so, by entertaining 
these, they are enabled to know and do the will of 
their heavenly Father; and, as Christ himself has said, 
"whosoever shall do the will of my Father who is in 
heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mo- 
ther." Look at the reverse of this statement; and the 
sentence of "Go ye cursed," will be seen to apply es- 
sentially and necessarily, not to man in the abstract, 
but to men under the government of the principles of 
evil; the unchangeable and eternal nature of which is 
to torment and bewilder its subjects, — to desolate and 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 137 

destroy that heavenly harmony and Divine order which 
alone constitute the " paradise of God." 

How vain then is every effort to attain to the joys 
of God's salvation, or to avoid the horrors and miseries 
of evil, — by cultivating a belief in abstract systems, 
formed of diversified conjectures concerning absent 
and unknown things ! Upon this ground, there always 
have been, still are, and always must be rents and 
divisions, strifes and contentions, with their mournful 
attendants, — " weeping, and wailing, and gnashing of 
teeth." 

But, Oh ! my friend, if our fellow-creatures could be 
persuaded to forsake the " law of carnal command- 
ments," and accept of the offered and inestimable fa- 
vour of " the power of an endless life," how certainly 
would it illuminate their darkness^ — in which there 
can be no true vision, — -and give them " the light of 
the knowledge of the glory of God in the face (or real 
appearance) of Jesus Christ" himself; — the same Di- 
vine and heavenly Being " who created the world and 
all things that are therein," — ^who is not limited in his 
manifestation to one person, or age, or generation, but 
is the same unchangeable Fountain of Life, which is 
the "true light that lighteth every man that cometh 
into the world." This would reveal to them the true 
atonement, as it regards themselves individually, that 
it consists not in the vicarious sufferings of another, 
but in the crucifixion of their own flesh with the lusts 
thereof, — by teaching and enabling them to deny 
themselves, and take up the same cross by which, in 
12* 



138 MEMOIR OF EDWARD STABLER. 

all ages, he has crucified his votaries to the world, 
and the world to them. 

I had no prospect, when I began a reply to thy kind 
letter, of running into a discussion of these things: 
but they opened to my view as I proceeded; and as I 
know them to be true and important, I feel free to sub- 
mit them to thy inspection. I am induced to do this, 
not with the view to inform thee of things that I sus- 
pected thou wast unacquainted with; for I willingly 
assent to the belief that thy knowledge of Divine truth 
is superior to mine; but I feel great endearment of 
affection toward thee, and am not without a hope that 
it will give thee pleasure to receive a salutation of this 
kind from a brother. 

I am, with much affection, thy friend, 

Edward Stabler. 

Memorandums. 
Truly it is a wonderful thing, that there should be 
any intelligent and accountable creature that can feel 
disposed to limit (if he had the power) the exercise of 
inquiry upon those subjects, in the truth of which 
every one is alike interested; more especially, when 
it is obvious that if man takes from his brother the 
privilege of knowing for himself, and compels him to 
repose his faith upon the ipse dixit of another, he does 
in reality deprive his brother of the means of happi- 
ness; and he accumulates responsibility upon himself, , 
in exact proportion to the measure of the privation to ; 
which he subjects his brother. For I think it is self- 



MEMOIR OF EDWARD STABLER. 139 

evident, that if I deprive another of the power or will 
of doing an indispensable act, I am the cause why that 
act is not done,— and therefore am accountable for 
the omission. This is a responsibility, in relation to 
concerns of eternal import especially, that I should 
tremble to assume; though it appears that many are 
disposed to court it as a desirable possession. 



A happy and instructive emblem of the state of an 
innocent mind, — surrounded by the conflicting senti- 
ments, and tumultuous excitements, and corruptions 
of the world in all its departments, — is afforded by 
the dove which went forth from Noah's ark over the 
earth, the surface of which was covered with the flood 
that had drowned its inhabitants, and destroyed its liv- 
ing productions. In this state of things, " she found 
no rest for the sole of her foot." Neither can the 
mind find rest or peace, after a similar visit, but by 
imitating her example, in returning inward to that ark 
which we are all Divinely instructed to build, (not of 
*' gopher wood" — for that could only aflbrd protection 
from a flood of water,— hut) of the spiritual materials 
which God has abundantly given for the purpose, viz : 
the principles of goodness or righteousness; which 
" being joined and compacted together by that which 
every joint supplieth," — does form a place of refuge 
and defence from all those perturbing and debasing 
influences, as real in its nature and saving power, in 
relation to the soul, as NoaWs was in respect to ani- 
mal life. 



140 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 

The subject of this memoir felt himself called by 
religious duty to attend a meeting of Friends, which 
was appointed to be held in Philadelphia in the 10th 
month of the year 1827; and also a session of the re- 
organized Yearly Meeting in the 4th month of the 
following year; for both of which services he obtained 
the sanction of the monthly meeting. Under the dis- 
couragements which at that time bore upon a large 
portion of the Friends of Philadelphia and the adjacent 
country, the presence of an influential and approved 
minister from a neighbouring Yearly Meeting, was 
rejoiced in as a favour. The assemblies for worship, 
on both those occasions, were crowded and solemn, 
and heavenly love greatly abounded. In the follow- 
ing letter to his wife, he gives a short account of his 
proceedings. 

Abington, 4th mo. 29 th, 1828. 
My dear Mary, — 

This is two days more than a week since I wrote 
to thee from Philadelphia. I left there on second-day 
morning after the Yearly Meeting, and have attended 
a meeting every day since. The assemblies of the 
people were large, and in every instance we witnessed 
the accompaniment of profound solemnity. I feel that 
it is a season of renewed visitation to my own mind; 
and I believe it is so to many others. It has been pre- 
ceded by a time of ^^ treading down, and of perplexity;" 
and many, having passed through this, and arrived at 
a state where they feel all the elements of the storm 
and tempest to have subsided, — are enjoying the de- 



MEMOIR OF EDWARD STABLER. 141 

lightful calm with great comfort. Towards this state, 
the exercises and openings which have engaged my 
attention and defined my duties, have been directed; — 
to explain and open the powers of the storm, and the 
elements of peace; and to turn the attention of my 
fellow-creatures to these, as the causes which Infinite 
Wisdom has rendered accessible to themi; — the na- 
tures of which they have known, and the consequences 
of which have formed their experience : so that their 
faith may not rest in vague speculation, but on the 
basis of experimental Truth. % -^ sf- a- 

My friends, wherever I go, are as kind and atten- 
tive to me as my heart could wish; and almost in 
every instance they show as much kindness towards 
each other; which makes the intercourse with them 
doubly pleasant. But through all and with all, my 
heart's warmest attachments remain unalienated and 
without wandering from my precious family circle, 
which always must form the dearest centre around 
which (in this world) will revolve the love of thy 
affectionate 

Edward Stabler. 

Perhaps there was no period of his life when he 
was so warmly attached, as at this time, to his old 
acquaintances, and those whom his frequent journeys 
and the interesting condition of the Society, had lately 
introduced to him. The following letters, written after 
his return from this visit, bear ample testimony to the 
correctness of the above statement, and abound with 
deep instruction. 



142 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 

Alexandria, 5th mo. 16th, 1828. 
My dear a., — 

Thy kind letter by M. H. was very acceptable 
indeed, and required no apology nor excuse, but rather 
commendation, in that thou hadst summoned to thy aid 
so much of the power of a better principle than " self- 
ishness,^' (I mean liumility) as to overcome the ^'pride" 
that would have prevented thee from conferring on thy 
absent friend so pleasant an evidence of thy friendship. 
I am persuaded it is thus also, that we are often pre- 
vented from coming to the Father of mercies, our kind 
and heavenly friend, — whose love is always extending 
itself towards us. But some mistaken view of his bless- 
ed character, which calls forth and nourishes some cor- 
rupting impulse in ourselves, that makes us afraid to 
approach him (incumbered with weaknesses and with 
errors) lest we become obnoxious to his censure, or 
victims to his wrath, — prevents us from accepting his 
offered benefactions, which would (if received) change 
all our views in relation to him, and enable us to know 
him to be in the utmost reality, " gracious, merciful, 
long-suffering, abundant in goodness, and in truth." 
And this change would be produced, — this lovely 
image would be delineated, — by the very things them- 
selves, which he offers to our acceptance for the ex- 
press purpose of changing us from the image of the 
earthly nature, in which w^e must "have tribulation,^' 
into the image of the heavenly, where there is peace 
and joy forever. But these important effects are not 
wrought in us by notions or conjectures concerning these 
precious gifts, as they may be supposed to exist in the 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 143 

Divine mind, — or as we may imagine them to operate 
on others : but they must be received by ourselves, and 
work by their own nature in us, to make us gracious, 
merciful, &c., in the same natural and self-evident 
way that anger does to make us angry, — or love, to 
make us affectionate. 

Upon this point, as it appears to me, the question 
rests, in relation to the difference between the religion 
of Christ and that of anti-christ. The first is consti- 
tuted by those living powers (or operations of the life 
of God in our souls) working in us both to will and to 
do of his good pleasure. The other consists in theories 
and notions, and doctrines and opinions, which have 
neither life nor power to help or to save us. To the 
first, I invite thy earnest and continued attention, — as 
to a perpetually increasing treasure of wisdom and 
happiness, which, the more thou knowest of it, the 
more thou wilt love it. But Oh! let not any thing de- 
lude thee into a dependance upon the latter, which 
cannot bless thee, even now, — but will always disap- 
point thee in thy utmost need. 

I was favoured to return in safety to my dear home 
and family, yesterday about two o'clock, and found 
all well, to my great comfort. I had been favoured 
through all my journey with a continued evidence of 
the kind regard of my heavenly Master, who now add- 
ed this sweet evidence of his mercy, that he had also 
preserved my precious family, and restored me to them 
in health and safety. 

The salutation of my love is presented to thy dear 
father and mother, sister and brothers, — and to such 



144 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 

of my friends in your neighbo : rhood as thou mayst 
meet with, particularly J. T. and wife. I went to see 
the latter in Philadelphia, and hope she may by this 
time be restored to her home. I should have been 
glad of thy company to Darby; biit the roads were so 
much cut up, that much difficulty was associated with 
the journey, which thou escaped by not being with us. 
Farewell, my young friend; accept the best wishes and 
kindest salutations of thy very affectionate friend, 

Edward Stabler. 

Alexandria, Gth mo. 12th, 1828. 
My dear Friend, — 

A permanently crippled right hand renders it dif- 
ficult for me to write, but I feel disposed to do what T 
can to deserve thy future communications, and to help 
forward the invaluable cause of righteousness, and also 
to advocate that "liberty wherewith Christ has made 
us free" from the corrupting domination of erring and 
fallible human nature; which, from motives of self- 
aggrandizement, would subject all things to its own 
government, and set itself up as an object of homage, 
instead of God himself. For this is really done, in 
every instance where man presumptuously assumes to 
himself, and exercises the privilege of urging upon his 
fellows a conformity to dogmas and prescriptions — 
(right or wrong) by any other agency or power than 
the convincement of their understandings. If this 
point be conceded on their part, there is, at once and 
totally, an abandonment of their allegiance to the King 
of kings; and the more perfect their vassalage is, the 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 145 

greater is the likelihood that they will be compelled to 
take "darkness for light, and light for darkness^ evil 
for good, and good for evil." Witness the history of 
man in all ages, both as a civil and religious creature. 
What a multitude of gilded chains have been wound 
around him in both capacities! by which he has been 
dragged to their Moloch-altar, and his whole being, 
and rights, and happiness, sacrificed without compunc- 
tion and without justice, to the God of this world. But, 
were such a disastrous sovereignty really beneficial to 
those who exercise it, there would be at least so much 
of an apology for them; but the contrary is necessarily 
true, and demonstrated to be so by all that we know 
of the Divine laws, and by all that we know of human 
experience. Like the slave-holder , they must first 
bring their own minds to submit to the government 
of the desolating powers of unrighteousness, before it 
is possible for them to enforce their influences upon 
others. This is self-evident from the fact that no man 
can act angrily, until himself is subject to anger; nor 
proudly, but by his obedience to pride, &c. 

Now it is an indubitable truth, that the more unrigh- 
teous principles prevail in any mind, the greater is the 
misery of that mind; and the wider the range of its ac- 
tion is upon others, the more extended is the calamity 
of which it becomes the author; and vice versa. Every 
mind must be blessed, in proportion to the purity and 
holiness of the principles by which it is actuated; and 
the pure, peaceable, gentle, affectionate, and merciful 
mind must, by its example and all its operations upon 
others, have a necessary tendency to obviate their 
13 



146 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLEIC. 

distresses, and to enlarge the circle of their enjoy- 
ments. 

These facts being notorious among mankind, it ex- 
cites at once astonishment and regret, that there should 
be so much zeal and earnestness employed to turn 
their attention to other things, as essentially good or 
evil; and thereby to withdraw their homage from the 
" Fountain of living waters," — the source from which 
all the streams of goodness flow, — and by the operation 
of which alone, it becomes possible for any member 
of the human family to be made good; or saved and 
cleansed from the sufferings and defilements of evil. 
But the generality of professors now (as in the days 
of George Fox) seem to be chiefly solicitous, both in 
respect to themselves and their Saviour, about the tody, 
and the external things which are applicable to it alone. 
This appears to me to constitute the root of all the 
alleged differences about doctrines amongst Friends; 
and this has occasioned so many efforts to believe in 
and to inculcate a dependance upon things of an out- 
ward nature, and that exert no specific power in rela- 
tion to the causes of their own good and evil, — to the 
consequent neglect of those things which assuredly, by 
all human experience, are the real, operative agents 
in these respects. The more, however, the stagnant 
pool is stirred and troubled, the more will the healing 
powers which have been hidden in it, become conspic- 
uous. ^^Judges will be raised up as at the first, and 
counsellors as at the beginning;" who being taught 
themselves in the school of Christ to know the instru- 
ments by which '^God worketh in us, both to will and 



i 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 147 

to do of his good pleasure," — will be compelled by all 
the feelings of love and kindness, to go forth and call 
the attention of their brothers and sisters to that birth 
of the Divine life within them, which constituted the 
Christ who was manifested in the Messiah, and still 
remains to be the " Immanuel, — God with us," — " the 
Fountain of living waters," — and " the true light that 
lighteth every man that cometh into the world." 

With the assurance that my best wishes are with 
thee, I remain thy friend, 

Edward Stabler. 

Alexandria, 8th mo. 29th, 1828. 
My dear Friend, — 

The apostle Paul admonished one of the churches 
formerly to " Beware of dogs; — beware of evil work- 
ers; — beware of the concision." If this be understood 
even literally, there must have been something in 
dogs, evil workers, and in those of the concision, that 
rendered them hurtful and dangerous, and therefore 
to be avoided. And if such were to be avoided be- 
cause of the injurious qualities which w^ere in them, 
how much more ought these qualities themselves to 
be avoided, by which dogs, evil workers, &c. were 
rendered pernicious ! I think this is the true spirit of 
the apostle's admonition; — and if I had a voice loud 
enough to be heard over the world, it should be em- 
ployed to summon the attention of my fellow creatures 
to the principles and powers which must first be in 
them, and obeyed by them, before they can do either 



148 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 

good or evil. The same apostle above quoted, goes 
on to contrast the state of the dog, evil worker, and 
concision, with the condition most to be desired and 
pursued by himself and others. " We," he says, '' are 
the circumcision who worship God in spirit, — rejoice 
in Christ Jesus, — and have no confidence in the flesh J' 
But what is the circumcision to which he alluded? — 
He tells us in another place, " Circumcision is of the 
heart, — in the spirit, and not in the letter. ^^ (Rom. ch. 
ii. V. 28.) All this is confirmed by the experience of 
all men. It is known that anger must precede its own 
works, as certainly as that love must first exist, be- 
fore the works of love can be performed. It is the 
same in relation to every good and every evil that is 
possible to man. 

True Quakerism (which is true Christianity) stands 
distinguished from every other religion in this eminent 
particular, — that it is altogether spiritual, — and only 
aims at accomplishing effects by means of their causes. 
Thus, it never aims at making the creature affection- 
ate, but by means of love; nor merciful, but by means 
of mercy; nor good, but by means of goodness. And 
herein it demonstrates its origin to be from the foun- 
tain of Divine wisdom; — for through all nature and 
creatures, this is the method of God's proceeding. — 
" Holy men of old," as well as the righteous progeni- 
tors of our Society, came to a knowledge of the Life 
in them, from which these precious causes of all righ- 
teousness proceed. They obeyed its instructions, and 
became wise. They confided in its powers, and were 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 149 

saved and redeemed. From the sameness of its effects 
in themselves, when obedient to its government, they 
witnessed it to be the same heavenly power which 
gave to saints their holiness, and to prophets their 
wisdom and foresight. In short, they found it to be 
'^ Christ, the wisdom of God, and the power of God," 
by whom the world was created and all things that 
are therein. The scriptures, which are a record of 
the operations of this Divine wisdom and power in the 
minds of their writers, became opened and understood 
by their successors, through the experience of the 
same things in themselves which had inspired and ac- 
tuated the former; and they had thereby an evidence 
of their truth, superior to all human testimony. 

But neither ihey^ nor any who are the followers of 
the same Divine Leader, ever placed, or can place 
the scriptures in any other or higher position, than as 
the writings of holy men. They cannot ascribe to them 
any saving or redeeming power; though they truly 
confess that they bear a true testimony to that which 
can both save and redeem. The understanding of 
"the natural man, who receiveth not the things of the 
spirit of God," has made a wonderful medley out of 
its conjectures about the meanings of the words of the 
" holy men of old:" — and this medley constitutes what 
it denominates its religion. The most acute of human 
minds have endeavoured to form consistent structures 
out of these imagined meanings: — but discord and 
confusion, chaos and contradiction, every where and 
in all ages, have stamped their most ingenious efforts 
13* 



150 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 

with defeat; — and they have all had in succession to 
resort to mystery to conceal the deformities in their 
systems, which would otherwise have been too glaring 
to admit of their being received by any rational mind. 
I remain thy friend, 

Edward Stabler. 

Alexandria, 8lh mo. 30th, 1828. 
My dear Friend, — 

What the report thou alludest to can have arisen 
from, I know not; but it is certain that such a conflict 
with a lawyer, or with any body else upon the subject 
stated, never occurred to me at any time that I know 
of. That I may, more than once, from the gallery and 
in conversation, have made use of the incident of the 
young man coming to Jesus, &c., as an illustration of 
the state of man, after obeying by his own best powers 
an outward law, commanding outward actions and ob- 
servances, is, I think, highly probable. In one case, I 
remember to have done it in a meeting at Alexandria; 
and I did state, that however great our possessions ot 
that kind of righteousness might be, as it was alto* 
gether outward, the soul would be left in poverty; be- 
cause it might still be proud, obdurate, fierce, &c., and 
this state would prevent the peace of the soul, and 
very naturally induce an inquiry similar to that of the 
young man, " What shall I do that I may inherit eter- 
nal life?" And then, I went on to show that a sale 
implied an exchange of commodities, — a thing to be 
^parted mth, and something else as the price, to be re- 



MEMOIR OF EDWARD STABLER. 151 

ceived instead of it. And his obedience to those par- 
ticulars of the outward law that were then mentioned, 
not having enriched his mind, (neither would outward 
things enrich the mind of any other human being, but 
the soul would still he poor, if it had not the " treasure 
in heaven") — to obtain this treasure, he must sell all 
that he has, — all that is properly his own; — all that 
keeps him in poverty, and prevents him from inheriting 
eternal life. I then stated what some of these things 
were; and the price that would be given to us for 
them, if we were willing to sell them, viz: — If we 
would give up our pride, we should have humility in 
place of it. Our ohduracy might be exchanged for ten- 
derness of heart; and omv fierceness, hr gentleness, &c. 
And these things heing spiritual, and appertaining loth 
in nature and quality to the soul, they would make 
it "rich toward God;" — and become to it treasures in 
heaven which is constituted of '' righteousness, peace, 
and joy in the Holy Spirit. ^^ 

Edward Stabler. 

The first of the following series of letters, may be 
compared with one which he wrote [o his sister-in-law 
from Petersburg, in the year 1791; [see page 23] in 
which he quotes the expressions of Job as then appli- 
cable to himself: "I go forward but he is not there; and 
backward, but I cannot perceive him." The differ- 
ence between the anxious uncertainty which he felt 
in the first instance, and the happy assurance in the 
second, is remarkable and instructive. 



152 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 

Alexandria, 9th mo. 22nd, 1828. 
My dear Friend, — 

I hope I feel in some degree as I ought, the kind- 
ness and confidence which thou hast expressed towards 
me: and if my ability were equal to my wishes, I 
should not only repay them in kind, (which I do most 
cordially) but I would gladly convert their effects into 
an occasion for introducing thy precious mind to a 
more intimate acquaintance with those '' ministering 
spirits," whose presence in the human soul always an- 
nounces the advent of the universal Messiah, as " glad 
tidings of great joy to all people;'^ for they proceed 
from him, and through them he ^^ convinces the world 
of sin, — of righteousness, — and of judgment." 

My heart is often warmed with inexpressible endear- 
ment toward those who, like the queen of the south in 
relation to Solomon, have "heard of the wisdom" and 
goodness of this greater than he; but who, " receiving 
(by tradition and education) for doctrines the com- 
mandments of men," — are direct! ig their attention 
outward, backward, and forward, where '^ they cannot 
perceive him:" — and, finding themselves disappointed 
of salvation from the causes which defile and distress 
them, are under the necessity of still inquiring "where 
he feedeth, and where he maketh his flock to rest at 
noon." These feelings have been especially excited 
in relation to the young, w^hose length of days has not 
been sufficient to afford them enlarged experience; but 
whose sensitive and intelligent minds are hungering 
and thirsting for the real (not speculative) food and 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 153 

drink, that will nourish the soul, and "spring up unto 
everlasting life.'^ 

I am entirely persuaded, that if these would consult 
the records of the hook of life^ instead of the indefinite 
imaginings which are excited in their minds by the 
sayings and the writings of others, they would find in 
the characters which compose that living volume, an 
exposition too plain to be misunderstood, of the real 
causes of all the good and evil that ever blessed or 
afflicted an intelligent creature. And it is from the 
realities which are there only to he founds that all true 
declarations of an outward nature relative to these 
things, can alone be understood. For, it is self-evident 
that no description of love or enmity^ content or inquie- 
tude, could possibly be understood by a being who had 
never experienced either of them. 

I am experimentally acquainted with the sorrows of 
that state which "goeth about the city, in the streets, 
and in the hroad-ways,^^ seeking the Beloved, and not 
finding him. My feelings in that condition have been 
distressed, even to agony: and while trembling, hope- 
less, and disconsolate under the dreadful pressure, — 
surrounded also with darkness and confusion, the 
mournful persuasion of my heart was, that my hea- 
venly Father had "forsaken me." But in this expe- 
rience, I was (without then knowing it) a partaker of 
the sufferings of Christ, in a measure adequate to my 
ability to bear them. But I have now no doubt, that 
the awful process was for the purpose of "crucifying 
the flesh, with the lusts thereof 3" — and that, in pro- 



154 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 

portion as this was accomplished, the veil was rent 
which concealed from my view the contents of " the 
holy of holies." 

For, whereas the capacities of the " natural man" 
are limited to "natural things," and his homage and 
dependance are altogether upon them, and " the things 
of the Spirit of God are foolishness to him;" — it is 
evident, that while they have the ascendency, they 
operate as a veil to the soul, which hides from its per- 
ceptions that countless train of spiritual realities, which 
are at once appropriate and powerful to refine and to 
bless it. That veil, therefore, must be rent by a cru- 
cifying process which has the natural man for its 
victim; and in proportion as its life declines, the con- 
cealing medium is dissipated; and when it expires, 
"the veil is rent from the top to the bottom, — the earth 
quakes, — the rocks are rent," and those heavenly 
powers and principles which have always given to 
saints their holiness, " arise from their graves," in 
which they have been buried under earthly desires 
and interests, — and hopes and fears, — " and show 
themselves" to the renovated mind, as God's " minis- 
tering spirits, sent forth to minister for them that shall 
be the heirs of salvation." 

But though these powers are expressed by distinct 
appellations, they are not different nor separate from 
the Divine life which is manifested in the souls of the 
people; but are indeed its own operations, diversified 
in name only, by the diversity of condition upon which 
its unchangeable nature operates. Thus, the same 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 155 

Divine energy which acts as love, and destroys enmity 
and hatred, — also operates as justice, to destroy injus- 
tice, and to render its votaries just, &c. &c. 

I received a letter from thy dear father by the same 
hand which was the bearer of thine. It is almost 
needless to say that it was cordially acceptable, and 
that my best feelings and wishes will go with him in 
his contemplated journey. 

Thou wilt probably have heard before this gets to 
hand, of the division of Ohio Yearly Meeting, and the 
attending circumstances. And I am still unchanged 
in the belief, that this scene of earthquake, wind, and 
fire, will prepare many minds to recede from the com- 
motions produced by them; for they cannot but per- 
ceive that the Lord is not in them. And I hope that 
many will be induced to turn a more attentive ear to 
that '^ still, small voice,'^ which can at once instruct 
and empower, redeem and save. 

Need I tell my young friend that I have great plea- 
sure in corresponding with her, and that she occupies 
a prominent station in the attachment which binds the 
whole family to the heart of her affectionate friend, 

Edward Stabler. 

Alexandria, 9lh rao., 1828. 
My DEAR Friend, — 

It is one among the apostolic precepts, to "rejoice 
with them that rejoice, and w^eep with them that weep;** 
and in that sympathy or fellow-feeling for each other, 
of which we are all capable, the ability is felt to com- 
ply with the admonition. Much of this sympathy w^as 



156 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 

awakened toward thee, upon the reception of thy last 
letter. The injury thy son had sustained would, I 
knew, had the case been mine, have excited many dis- 
tressing feelings; particularly as long as his case re- 
mained doubtful, or the prospect of recovery uncertain. 
Add to this, the exercises of thy mind in relation to the 
most important of all subjects to thyself and thy fellow- 
beings, and the apparent impediments which existed to 
a coalition of efforts between thee and others for the 
advancement of the precious cause of righteousness. 

I have many times reflected with much seriousness 
upon the subject of thy receding from thy connection 
with religious society. Without, however, presuming 
to call in question its propriety at the time it occurred, 
I feel a willingness to suggest some views for thy con- 
sideration. The dispensations of our heavenly Father 
to the children of men, are addressed to them as ra- 
tional, sensitive, and social beings. The qualities or 
principles which render them such, are of his crea- 
tion; — and they cannot break the marriage covenant 
which he has established among them, without impair- 
ing that happiness in themselves and usefulness to 
others, for which they were brought into being. All 
our experience demonstrates the immense importance 
of the rational, sensitive, and social relations of man 
to his fellow-man. It shows again, the blessedness 
of these relations to be increased in measure and in 
power, in proportion to the dominion of goodness and 
of virtue over them. It is therefore the duty and in- 
terest of every one, not only to cultivate these in him- 
self, but to promote their increase in every other person 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 157 

over whom he can exert any degree of influence; be- 
cause the happiness of each one is always increased 
in proportion to the happiness of the whole. But if he 
separate himself from them, or so change his relations 
to them as to sacrifice the occasion of exciting this in- 
fluence, he severs the connection between his own sen- 
sitive, rational, and social qualities, by thus depriving 
one of them of its proper sphere to act in; and each 
one, with all its appendages, languishes and suffers a 
declension, in equal measure. 

It is unhappily too true, that the great majority of 
human beings have fixed their attention and depen- 
dance upon outward things and actions, as the means 
of that happiness for which every human soul feels an 
irrepressible desire. Many, in the present day, are 
inculcating a dependance upon individual conjectures 
concerning outward and visible things and actions that 
07ice were, but are no longer either present, or visible: 
and these are inattentive to the teachings of the omni- 
present, spiritual Power, who is the sole fountain of all 
goodness and virtue, as well as the Creator of all sen- 
sitive, rational, and social beings. But surely this de- 
reliction of all true and efficient knowledge, — like the 
want of health or the presence of anguish, — ought to 
render those who are affected by it, objects of tender 
compassion to minds that are in any degree illumina- 
ted by the heavenly vision which Daniel witnessed, 
when he saw the Ancient of days sitting in present 
judgment; and " the fiery stream'^ which " issued and 
came forth from before him," — the "thousand thou- 
sands which ministered to him," and "the ten thousand 
14 



158 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER r * 

times ten thousand which stood before him/' — to he 
realized in the innumerable host of powers and princi- 
ples, by which Divine benevolence is continually work- 
ing in the souls of his creatures to " subdue all things 
to himself;" — that He, the glorious sun of righteous- 
ness, '^may he all in alL'^ But I need not pursue the 
subject further. My dear friend will reflect upon it, 
and as the decision must be his own, I can cheerfully 
leave it to himself. 

With sympathy of feeling, I remain, 

Edward Stabler. 

Alexandria, 11th mo. 26th, 1828, 
I hope my young friend has not permitted her heart 
to censure me for suffering her last very acceptaBle 
communication to remain so long unanswered. My 
apology for the delay will be found in my absorbed 
attention during our Yearly Meeting, and in having 
had to attend our Quarterly meeting and several other 
meetings since, — the Quarter at seventy miles distant 
from Alexandria. 

Thou hast heard, I expect, that a division took place 
in our Yearly Meeting; but it was without storm or 
tumult, — owing probably to the smallness of the num- 
ber that went off. But the course for us to pursue in 
this case, is, to be more careful and attentive to culti- 
vate right principles in ourselves, than to detect and 
expose wrong ones in the minds of others. 

When Peter, as a disciple of Jesus, had received his 
Master's instructions in regard to what he was to do, 
thrice repeated, " Feed my sheep; — feed my Iambs; — 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 159 

feed my sheep;" — he indulged or gave way to a curi- 
osity (very natural to man) to know the concerns of 
fiis brother: "What shall this man do?" But he was 
met by the instructive admonition, " If I will that he 
tarry until I come, what is that to thee ? Follow thou 
me." There may be, and I am generally persuaded 
there will he a great reformation among men, growing 
out of the present commotions, which have caused so 
much anxiety to many tender and well-disposed minds. 
And I think it will arise from the spirit of inquiry, 
which will be more and more excited among thou- 
sands, who, in respect to w^hat constitutes religion^ 
have habitually taken all things for granted, without 
pondering the subject, even so far as to become ascer- 
tained of what it was that they were taking for grant- 
ed. In this state of mind, an indefinite and obscure 
image of something awful or interesting which had its 
existence in past time, or was to have an existence in 
futurity, is all they know about it. And where this 
is the case, it appears impossible that a living and 
earnest devotion can be incited, in relation to things 
which are at once vague, absent, and uncertain. But 
when they have seen others satisfied with such a state 
of things, they have been disposed to fall in with the 
popular current: and as others risked all upon this 
foundation, it was hoped that it would fare as well 
with them as with the rest. 

This has been the parent of that apathy which has 
so generally prevailed, and which is still conspicuous, 
in relation to the most interesting and important of all 
possible subjects. And this has been the cause why 



160 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 

the human mind has been, and is, so easily led captive 
by doctrines and opinions which, however sedulously 
they may be urged and adopted, possess no power to 
save from sin, nor to produce righteousness. Something 
then was necessary to arouse this dormant into activity, 
and to shake the dri/ hones in this valley of stupor and 
of death. The agent which is now at work hy the voice 
of prophecy, appears from its effects to be producing 
this result; and many a ^^dry bone" has already been 
animated and brought to ^'hear the voice of the Lord," 
instead of the voice of men. They have rushed to each 
other under the impulse of love, — christian love; and 
the "mighty army" is daily increasing. This is cause 
for thankfulness to the Father of mercies, notwith- 
standing the pangs which precede the precious con- 
summation. 

To the young whose minds have not yet been veiled 
with prejudices, the present is an important era. They 
may see, if they will, how valueless and unprotecting 
are b\\ forms cindi prof essions — all creeds and systems — 
in their evident incapacity to preserve those who have 
most abounded with them (and who were pointed out 
as way-marks to others) from the tyranny of passions 
and dispositions, the unchangeable tendency of which 
is, to change "Eden into a wilderness,'^ and the ^' gar- 
den of the Lord'' into a " desert." For surely, such 
is the state of every mind that is governed by similar 
tempers to those which rule in the natives of the wil- 
derness. The lion is not more fierce, nor the tiger 
more cruel, than the unsubdued passions of the human 
mind. The asp does not more certainly poison, nor 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 161 

the rattlesnake envenom, than the malice and hatred 
of the unredeemed human heart. These then, and 
such like, are the adversaries to be avoided, — the ene- 
mies to be resisted, — the devils to be cast out. And 
for this purpose, the blessed Head of the church giveth 
liberally to all the children of men the principles and 
powers of goodness. If they will accept of the heaven- 
ly donation, and use these ^^good and perfect gifts" 
when bestowed upon them, they will heal all their 
maladies, — cast out all their evil spirits, — restore their 
spiritual sensibility, — and rouse them from a death "in 
trespasses and sins," into the life of " righteousness, 
peace, and joy." For the objects of the christian's 
faith are not fictions nor cunningly devised fables, — 
but the self-evident realities of grace, mercy, truth, 
goodness, love, justice, &c., each and all of which 
have "charge over us, to keep us in all our ways," 
and to deliver and preserve us from all that " can hurt 
or destroy." Thus it is that "the wilderness may be 
again changed into an Eden, and the desert into a 
garden of the Lord." *^Joy and gladness" may take 
the places of "sorrow and sighing;" and "thanksgiving 
and the voice of melody," succeed to "weeping and 
wailing, and gnashing of teeth." 

See then, my dear friend, the immense importance 
of the counsel given to Peter: " Feed my sheep; — feed 
my lambs; — feed my sheep." There is no evidence 
that Jesus ever was a shepherd, or ever owned any 
sheep, in the outward sense of the words. But he cer- 
tainly intended to convey an impressive and solemn 
meaning by the use of them: and this is found in the 
14* 



162 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 

innocence, gentleness, and meekness which characterize 
these harmless creatures. And these qualities, if fed 
with their appropriate food, will as certainly grow and 
increase, and enrich their possessor, as ever Abraham 
or Job knew an increase of their outward flocks and 
herds, and became mighty men through the abun- 
dance which they produced. 

If my letters to thee can be of any use to others, I 
have no wish that thou shouldst keep them to thyself. 
I wish it were in my power to write a fairer hand; but 
contracted fingers and a tremulous hand, forbid the 
hope that I ever shall. Please remember me to thy 
mother, brothers and sisters, and to all my friends at 
B., and there are many precious ones who share the 
best feelings of 

Edward Stabler. 

Alexandria, 1st mo. 1829. 
The first letter of the new year I shall address to 
my young friend M. J., and while I express my best 
wishes that the greatest of blessings may be hers, I 
am solicitous that I may be enabled, through Divine 
assistance, to point her attention to those things by 
which more blessings may be realized in her experi- 
ence, than I can either ask for or think of. The views 
expressed in thy letter, made a proper distinction in 
stating ''the kingdom of heaven to he within us.^' And 
here I feel the importance of not only knowing that 
it is there, but of ascertaining infallibly what it con- 
sists in; that we may not be deceived nor disappoint- 
ed by mistaking any thing else for it, and thus place 



1 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 163 

our dependance upon something that will fail us in 
our utmost need. 

The greatest difficulty I have ever had to encounter 
in this momentous inquiry, has arisen from the host of 
prejudices, or the impressions made upon my mind by 
my own conceivings, when I read or heard of these 
things. These conceptions acquired a character of 
sacredness, from the subjects to which they were sup- 
posed to relate; so that when they were assaulted, 
even by Truth itself, I trembled with the apprehen- 
sion that I was rebelling against Divine authority, by 
permitting one stone of this temple (though built by 
myself) to be stirred or pushed down. When I read 
the scriptures, or listened to preaching, or conversa- 
tion on religious subjects, the same veil was over my 
mind, and prevented me from seeing or knowing any 
thing, as indicated in any of these, but the same reli- 
gious edifice; every part of which had been hewn and 
squared, and fitted by myself. 

How different was all this from the statement left 
on record by the illustrious Paul ! ^' The kingdom of 
heaven," he says, " is not meat and drink, but righte- 
ousness^ peace ^ and joy in the Holy Ghost.'' And again, 
a prophet has written, " The w^ork of righteousness 
shall be peace, and the effect of ^, quietness and assu- 
rance forever." The scriptures abound with refer- 
ences to these living principles, and all human expe- 
rience confirms the truth of their testimony. But our 
ignorance of the true nature of the religion of Christ, 
(which has power to save, and does save,) has made 
it to consist in opinions, and particular forms of ex- 



164 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 

pression, of which the evil and the good are alike ca- 
pable; but which, at the same time, never deliver the 
mind from evil; nor enrich it with the treasures of 
goodness. 

My experience therefore has taught me that there 
is as great a distinction between the christian religion, 
and the most perfect structure which the greatest wis- 
dom of man has ever been able to build, — as there is 
between food, and the most perfect theories of eating, 
drinking, and nutrition, that ever were learned or 
committed to memory. For, as in the latter case, a 
man would infallibly famish with all his theoretical 
knowledge, if he had not food and drink; so, in the 
former also, except he have the living principles of 
righteousness, he cannot see, nor enter into the king- 
dom of heaven, — nor know the peace, quietness, and 
everlasting assurance which are the effects of these 
principles only: for it is by these principles that our 
Heavenly Parent "■ worketh in us, both to will and to 
do of his good pleasure." 

I had written thus far, when my pen was arrested 
by sickness, which confined me to the house, and ren- 
dered me unable to v/rite for nearly two weeks. I 
will now resume my pen and add a few lines. I sup- 
pose it is impossible for any person, at first, to avoid 
erecting the building- above alluded to; seeing that 
every parent feels solicitous for the happiness of his 
child, and endeavours to instruct it. While this pro- 
cess of instruction is going on, the child — if at all at- 
tentive — is employing itself in forming ideas of the 
things the parent is speaking of; and these ideas, oa 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 165 

the part of the child, are a mass of mere conjectures 
about unknown things. 

I am, with much sincerity, thy friend, 

E. S. 

Alexandria, 1st mo. 15th, 1829. 
The trembling hand of an invalid just recovering 
from a two week's attack of sickness, is now employ- 
ed to thank my young friend for her very acceptable 
letter. I deem it a privilege of no ordinary magnitude 
which is enjoyed by the young people of our Society, 
that from their earliest years they are made familiar 
with the words, ^^ The kingdom of heaven is within 
you," — " That which is to be known of God, is made 
manifest within you," &c. And I congratulate my 
young correspondent, that her views have been direct- 
ed into the same channel by her affectionate parents 
and friends; of which her letter contains abundant 
evidence. But I was also favoured in the same way; 
and yet much of my life passed away with nothing 
better than conjectural ideas of what these things 
meaiit. My mind was indeed impressed with a vague 
conception of something blessed and glorious, to be 
known for the first time after the death of the body, 
without once thinking, or stopping to inquire, why the 
same thing which it w^as believed would produce these 
blessed and glorious effects hereafter, should not also 
(according to their measure) produce the same effects 
now, agreeably to the obvious meaning of the above 
scripture passages; for thou wilt observe that both of 
them ^re made in the present tense. How greatly 



166 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 

important then it is, not only, to know that the king- 
dom of heaven is within us, — but to be assured with 
infallible certainty what it consists of; lest, by mis- 
taking any thing else for it, we may be deluded into a 
dependance upon something that will disappoint us 
in our utmost need, and render our experience ac- 
cordant with the poet's expressions, '' Man never is, 
but always to he blessed." 

The venerated and invaluable volume of the scrip- 
tures, gives a very different account of this interesting 
concern, from the general imaginings of mankind in 
relation to it. Whether we consult the historical or 
preceptive parts of it, they alike declare that human 
nature ever has been made good, and happy, and ac- 
ceptable in the Divine sight, by righteousness; — and 
bad, miserable, and unacceptable, by wickedness, — 
That no theory, however correct, — no profession, how- 
ever pure, — has ever been an effectual substitute for 
goodness, any more than clear ideas of food and drink 
can answer the purposes of nutrition, instead of the 
articles which really nourish, — is alike conspicuous 
to all human nature. But this is not more plain nor 
more certain, than that the real presence and. power 
of holiness is necessary to make men holy. 

The deceptive theories, notions, and opinions, which 
men have dignified with the name of the Christian Re- 
ligion, ought to be tested by their fruits. If they have 
not power to save us from wickedness and misery now^ 
what stronger evidence can we have that they will 
always be alike ineffectual? And what stronger rea- 
son can we have for renouncing all dependance upon 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 167 

them, than this evident incapacity to save us, or make 
us happy? Our Lord, in his sermon on the mount, 
opened this matter clearly, and showed what it was 
that had power to bless us. " Blessed," he says, '- are 
the pure in heart, — the peace makers, — the merci- 
ful, — the poor in spirit, — the hungerers and thirsters 
after righteousness," &c. Not one word about believ- 
ing this or that opinion or doctrine, maintained by this 
or that society, or contended for by this or that learn- 
ed man ! He well knew, what his apostle afterwards 
knew and proclaimed, that ^* the kingdom of God was 
not in word but in 'power f^ and all experience says 
the same thing: for the power of love is that alone 
which can make any of us affectionate; and the pow- 
er o^ justice nmkes us just; and the power of holiness 
makes us holy, &c. 

And these, my young friend, are the living words of 
that living law which the Lord said he would write in 
the hearts of his people; by obedience to which he 
would '' be their God," and they '^ should be his sons 
and daughters." For, as all outward laws are made 
up of many written words, and all these words com- 
bined, form the codes of outward laws which are in- 
scribed upon paper, or some other outward material : 
so the law of God is constituted of those spiritual w^ords 
which Christ said are ^^ spirit and life;" and conse- 
quently are not dead or material, (as all written and 
printed words are;) neither are they written on paper 
nor " tablets of stone," but upon the table of the heart; 
nor are they '- written with pen and ink, but by the 
finger of the living God." For it is he alone who 



168 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER* 

gives US love, joy, peace, gentleness, meekness, humil- 
ity, patience, justice, godliness, and every other " good 
and perfect gift." And they are evidently spiritual 
and vital, and are the only means that our heavenly 
Father hath appointed to make us free from the " law 
of sin and death." They therefore (and not written 
words) compose or form the " law of the spirit of life 
in Christ Jesus;" and we always find them '^within 
us,'' operating and working within us to make us af- 
fectionate, joyful, peaceable, gentle, true, meek, hum- 
ble, &c.; or, in one word, opening the "kingdom of 
heaven within us," which consists in righteousness, 
peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. 

These are the blessed and beautifying powers, or 
operations of the life of God, (which is the " Christ in 
us") that I wish most earnestly to turn thy attention to, 
as unto a light that will never delude thee, — a depen- 
dance that will never disappoint thee, — a heavenly 
friend that will never forsake thee. Thou wilt find it 
as much superior to the noblest edifice that ever was 
formed by human ingenuity, as heaven is above earth. 
Thy own brightest conjectures will become dark be- 
fore the splendour of its realities; and thy spirit will no 
lono-er languish in uncertainty, or be under the neces- 
sity of inquiring of others if they "have seen him 
whom thy soul loveth;" for, in passing from every ex- 
ternal thing or dependance but a little, thou wilt find 
him; and he will be infallibly known to thee by " his 
works:" for it is he who writes these living w^ords 
upon our hearts; and by these he is at once made 
known, and "the way, the truth, and the life," explain- 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 169 

ed to US, and we are made partakers of all that is 
made known. 

My affectionate salutations are presented to thy dear 
parents, and to A. and E. H. I feel greatly interest- 
ed for them; believing their hearts, as ^' good ground," 
are prepared to bring forth '' fruit unto life eternal." 
Tell A. that her very acceptable letter came duly to 
hand, and that I shall answer it shortly, if life and 
health permit. Farewell; and believe me to be with 
much truth of affection. 

Thy sincere friend, 

Edward Stabler. 

Alexandria, 3rd mo. 14th, 1829. 
My dear C, — 

The tender, parental affection which I have ever 
felt for thee since I first became acquainted with thee, 
prepared me to form one of the rejoicers, at the arrival 
of thy letter to my dear A. When I heard of thy in- 
creased indisposition, though I sorrowed, yet it was 
not without hope on thy behalf. My spirit had be- 
come acquainted with thine; and in the features of 
innocence which I saw impressed upon it, I read the 
assurance that He whose infinite goodness had thus 
far delineated his blessed image upon thee, would 
not leave the heavenly portrait unfinished. I still 
feel the same persuasion, and look forward with con- 
fidenceand rejoicing, to the certainty that the Divine 
law of love which is legibly written upon thy heart, 
will go on to enlarge thy perfections and enjoyments. 
I think thou knowest its powers for these purposes. — 
15 



170 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 

Thou hast witnessed its living influences to calm thy 
agitated mind in times of trial and suffering, when all 
external assistance was vain and fruitless; when even 
the sovereignty of the world, its riches, and powers, 
and friendships, could have done nothing for thee. 

These realities form the true ground of the chris- 
tian's hope: not that he is wise in theories, and skilful 
in doctrines; — not that he is learned in the opinions of 
men, ancient or modern; but because ^' the finger of 
the living God" has written upon his heart the char- 
acters of" love, joy, peace, gentleness, goodness, truth, 
meekness, faith, patience, temperance," &c. These 
are all vital, and will produce their natural effects as 
certainly as the fig tree produces figs, or the grape 
vine, grapes. I have often felt it to be cause for un- 
speakable gratitude to the Father of mercies, that he 
has not made our present or eternal happiness depen- 
dant upon the uncertain and variable opinions of men; 
but upon this living law, of his own writing upon our 
hearts. For the characters which constitute it are all 
appropriate to our several necessities: they are the 
means of his appointment for carrying us through, 
and bringing us out of " great tribulation;" and with- 
out their influence "no flesh would be saved." These 
are " the elect," for whose sake, and by whose opera- 
tions, the days of tribulation are "shortened." They 
are the Lord's household; and thou, and I, and all our 
fellow-creatures are made " rulers over them, to give 
them their meat in due season;" and we are "bless- 
ed," in proportion to our diligence in "so doing." — 
We feel, and know, that power is bestowed upon us 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 171 

to feed the elect jprinciples of goodness; — that we can 
give to " faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, pa- 
tience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and charity," or 
Divine love, the food they require and call for, in 
order to be sustained and multiplied in our minds. — 
And if they ^' be in us and abound, they make us,^' 
as the apostle says, " that we shall be neither barren, 
nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus 
Christ." 

I speak in this language to thee with much confi- 
dence, from a full persuasion that much of it has been 
realized in thy experience. Thou mayst be assured 
of it beyond all questioning, by contrasting the state of 
thy feelings, during thy long protracted sickness, with 
what would have been thy condition, hadst thou nur- 
tured and cultivated the reprobated principles of evil. 
If thou hadst gratified the hunger of infidelity, — vice, 
ignorance, intemperance, impatience, ungodliness, en- 
mity, and hatred, — how awful and distressing, be- 
yond all the powers of description, would have been 
the state of thy mind, when associated with the sor- 
rows of bodily disease ! 

" By their fruits," my young friend, ^^ thou mayst 
know them" more infallibly than by any, or all hu- 
man teaching. And these will demonstrate, and they 
always have demonstrated, that the flames of hell are 
the powers of evil; — and that nothing will extinguish, 
or prevent their burning, but the principles of righte- 
ousness, — the ^'good and perfect gifts which come from 
above, from the Father of lights," who is also our hea- 
venly Father^ and these are infallible for the gracious 



172 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 

purpose. The heavenly life, — the " Christ within,'' — 
"the well of water, springing up" within us "unto 
everlasting life," — is the eternal Fountain from which 
all the streams of righteousness forever flow. And it 
would be more possible for a building on fire, to con- 
tinue burning when immersed in the ocean, — or to 
be kindled there, — than for the flames of wickedness 
to burn in the soul that is immersed in " the river of 
the water of life," and washed by its pure and crys- 
talline streams. 

All my family remember thee with great affection, 
and send thee their cordial salutations; but from no 
heart among them does such a salutation issue with 
more fervour and sincerity, than from that of thy af- 
fectionate friend, 

Edward Stabler. 

Alexandria, 3rd mo. 20th, 1829. 
My dear Friend, — 

Did I not know from my ow^n experience, the 
mighty power which is exercised over our feelings 
and understandings, by the bewildering influences of 
education and early impressions, (fostered also by kin- 
dred and equally imperfect impressions, acting upon 
us through an intercourse with others,) I should think 
it astonishing that so many of us could be deluded into 
the persuasion, that religion consists in such things as 
the generality of mankind seem to believe it does; and 
this too with the scriptures in their hands, — which in 
almost every page give so different an account of the 
matter. For the historical incidents, and direct alle- 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 173 

gations with which they abound, ascribe the re-union 
of the creature with the Creator, to proper and ade- 
quate causes. 

The scribes and pharisees were hypocrites, and suf- 
fered under the woe, because they depended upon 
^^tything the mint, anise, and cunimin, and all man- 
ner of herbs, '^ for the accomplishment of those purposes 
which justice, mercy, and truth were only able to per- 
form. Hence it was, that though the former did for 
them all that Divine wisdom intended, yet the mint 
could not perform the woi^ks of justice; nor anise those 
of mercy; nor cummin produce the effects of truth. — 
These things remain invariable; and all nature and 
experience bear concurrent testimony with the scrip- 
tures, to the absurdity of expecting from weaker things 
than even '^ herbs," the blessed attainments which 
crown the soul with " glory, honour, immortality, and 
eternal life.'^ And are not the creeds, and notions, 
and systems of men, weaker than the " herhs?^^ The 
former, it is undeniable, are variform, uncertain, and 
contradictory. The best of them cannot satisfy even 
the hunger of an insect, — while the latter are of Di- 
vine manufacture, — beautiful in their structure, ad- 
mirable in their form, and indispensable to the suste- 
nance of man and all other animals. But with all 
their perfection, they are limited in their services to 
their native sphere. We must resort to other powers 
of a far nobler kind, as the steps of that ladder by 
which to ascend from earth to heaven : and these, 
through the kindness of our heavenly Father, are as 
certainly given to us for this blessed purpose, as ^^ all 
15* 



174 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 

manner of herbs" are bestowed for temporal uses; — 
and are withal, absolutely perfect for the ends to be 
accomplished by them. 

Oh ! why will the sons and daughters of men refuse 
to contemplate the glorious fact, that justice, mercy, 
and truth are veritable powers, by which the Father 
of mercies will make them, if they are willing, just, 
merciful, and true; and thereby remove far from them 
all hypocrisy and every woe! It is the same with 
every good and perfect gift that cometh from above, 
and they constitute the steps by which a man may 
ascend from earth to heaven. 

With much love, I remain thy friend, 

Edward Stabler. 

In the year 1829, Edward Stabler felt himself called 
in christian love to visit his friends at the two Yearly 
Meetings of Philadelphia and New York; for which 
purpose he obtained the concurrence of his monthly 
meeting. Some account of these two journeys will be 
found in the following letters. 

To his Wife. 

Philadelphia, 4th mo. 16th, 182^. 
My dear Mary, — 

Thy letter I received last evening, much to my 
satisfaction, on account of the grateful information of 
your continued health. The Yearly Meeting has thus 
far been even more interesting than it was last year. 
A large body of serious and sober-minded Friends, as- 
sembled under the general influence of love to each 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 175 

other, and to promote the prevalence of the causes 
which tend to the glory of God as their highest object, 
^' and on earth peace, good will towards men," — is one 
of the most interesting objects I ever beheld. 

My health has been good, and my mind wonderfully 
supported, and supplied with ability to perform the 
service which my gracious Master requires of me; for 
which all its feelings are bowed in gratitude. 

As I hope to be with my dear domestic circle in less 
than a week, I need not enlarge the present communi- 
cation; since I have given all the information which is 
of immediate interest to you. I shall therefore con- 
clude with the expression of continued love to every 
one, from your very affectionate 

Edward Stablek. 

New York, 5th mo. SOth, 1829. 
The Yearly Meeting is over. It has been conducted 
all through upon christian grounds. No jar, no con- 
test, no opposing efforts for power, were made; but the 
feeling of brotherly kindness, forbearance, and conde- 
scension, which is the crown of a religious assembly, 
prevailed at every sitting. The concluding session of 
the select meeting, was one of the most solemn and 
edifying that I ever was a w^itness to. We were fa- 
voured to partake '^of the waters of life freely;'^ and 
for a season all sense of "sorrow and sighing'^ fled 
away, I believe, from every mind. The "demonstra- 
tion of the Spirit'^ assured us from what fountain the 
favour flowed; and our feelings were satisfied by its 
power, that it was "of God and not of man." 



176 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 

Our public meetings were large; and in every in- 
stance, it was thought that half as many went away 
for want of room to receive them, as stayed and were 
accommodated. My prospect is to stay in this city 
until the day after to-morrow, when I expect to attend 
an appointed meeting at Flushing; then return to New 
York, and on third-day morning proceed upon my 
visit to New Jersey. I do not anticipate any difficulty 
about companions, or modes of conveyance; for my 
friends are so abundantly affectionate, that there is 
shown the greatest readiness to supply both. 

The calm, affectionate, gentle, and innocent state of 

mind of our young friend , who has been here 

and returned to her father's house, — remove every 
feeling of regret, at the prospect of her connection with 
time being dissolved in the morning of life; because of 
the strong assurance which they afford, that the gra- 
cious Power who has adorned her quiet spirit with 
these jewels of eternity, will not remove her to any 
state of being in which their magnitude and multitude 
will not increase, to the proportionate enlargement of 
her joy and her consolation. She desired me to give 
her love to all the members of my precious household, 
and so also did her kind parents. 

I am told the report has been circulated that Friends' 
Yearly Meeting was a scene of great tumult, confusion, 
and even quarreling: but we witnessed, to our great 
comfort, that it was in all its sittings the reverse of all 
this. 

And my little son got through with his sickness 
safely? For this mercy as well as for all others, may 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 177 

I be thankful to the Father of mercies. *" * Will 
some of you please to write to me again, as soon as 
you receive this? You all know how dearly I love 
you; and could you behold the pleasure it gives me to 
read your letters, when thus separated from you, I 
think you would indulge me with them more frequent- 
ly. Several might write in one letter, and each tell 
me some interesting circumstance relative to my be- 
loved family. With unabated love, I am thy own 

Edward Stabler. 

Upper Freehold, New Jersey, 6th mo. 6th, 1829. 
Agreeably to what I mentioned in my letter from 
New York, 1 went to Flushing to an appointed meeting 
on last second-day, and attended it to satisfaction; — 
the gracious Helper giving both matter and power of 
utterance, to the evident promotion of edification arid 
comfort. ^ ^ I had an evening meeting at Tren- 
ton, which was largely attended, and it was indeed a 
favoured opportunity. The next day I attended one 
at East Branch; and this evening, am to attend one at 
Bordentown; to-morrow at Crosswicks, and so on. I 
am favoured with entire health, and meet with open 
hearts and houses among Friends, who are promptly 
disposed to do all they can for my comfort and the for- 
warding of my prospects of religious service. But, 
^^my heart untravelled, fondly turns to" my precious 
wife and children, with ardent supplications for their 
health and preservation. I feel that every one of you 
is a cord, by which my affections are bound to this 
world with greater strength than all others; but I feel 



178 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 

no condemnation for loving you, while ray affections 
are kept in due subordination to the higher obligations 
of duty to you and my heavenly Father and Preserver; 
and I am persuaded that as our love to each other is 
governed and regulated by these considerations, the 
sum of our mutual enjoyment will be increased, but 
not impaired. 

I will write again from Moorestown, or soon after I 
leave there, and give you a further account of my pro- 
ceedings. And whether it shall be my lot to suffer or 
enjoy, I trust I shall remain, ^yith undiminished love, 
your own 

Edward Stabler. 

To his Wife, 

Westfield, 6th mo. 18th, 1829. 
I do not know, my dear Mary, that I ever received 
greater pleasure from the reception of a letter, than 
from the one I received yesterday at Moorestown, from 
thee and my dear sons. It was the next thing, in point 
of enjoyment, to having your presence around me* 
And to be informed that my precious Master had pre- 
served you all in health, and that my dear little boys, 
Henry and Richard, had been pretty good children, — 
and to hear of my dear little Frances, and my sweet 
little Caroline, — and about my dear Elizabeth and her 
good health, and of Robinson and his Mary Annis, and 
William and his Deborah, — it was delightful ! But 
what about my precious little Sarah? Her name is 
not mentioned. Was she so still and retired, that you 
all overlooked or forgot her? Well ! my heart did 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 179 

glow with thankfulness for the favour of your general 
preservation; and I have abundant cause for thankful- 
ness to the same Divine source of blessings, for my 
own uninterrupted health, and for the extreme kind- 
ness of my friends, and for his presence and blessed 
help in all the meetings I have attended. 

At Moorestown yesterday, — doctor John Moore and 
his Catherine came over and attended meeting with 
me, and a large and precious meeting it was. As 
George Fox used to say, "Truth reigned over all:" 
and so it has been every where. 

I make a poor hand at writing; but if I should be 
favoured to get once more into the bosom of my be- 
loved family, many things that I would now say with 
the pen, if I were a ready writer, will then be agree- 
able subjects of conversation. 

I do not know that I ever had a fuller evidence of 
being in the way of my duty, than in the present jour- 
ney. The ability to labour in word and doctrine, was 
never greater in my experience. The power of spi- 
ritual vision indeed seems to be as cl^ar as noon-day. 

Farewell ! And may the blessings of peace, inno- 
cence, and preservation, be yours continually, prays 
the heart of your own 

Edward Stabler. 

Wilmington, Del. 7th mo. 13th. 

Your joint letter of last week, my dear Mary, 

came to hand this morning; and though it contains 

some abatement of the pleasant information which had 

filled your preceding communications, by the state- 



180 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 

merit of my dear little Caroline's indisposition, and my 
dear Thomas's return of liver disease; yet still I feel 
thankful that the rest of you are preserved in health. 
I visited all the meetings of the Western Quarter last 
week, and had an appointed meeting at Stanton, and 
came to Wilmington last evening. A public meeting 
is appointed for me here, to be held this evening; to 
which the inhabitants are generally invited. To-mor- 
row I expect to attend a meeting at Chester, my mo- 
ther's birth place; — go the next day to Providence, the 
next to Darby, and then to Philadelphia. So far as I 
see at present, I hope then to turn my steps towards 
home, — dear home, — and toward thee and the rest of 
my precious ones who make that home so dear. 

Truly, the works of our gracious Creator are " great 
and marvellous, — ^just and true!" and the openings 
and ability, which he has graciously afforded for the 
performance of the services which he has required of 
me in the course of this journey, have sealed upon 
my spirit the truth of the exclamation. I desire to be 
preserved in a state of continued thankfulness for his 
unspeakable favours and mercies. * * The meet- 
ings I have attended have continued to be seasons of 
great solemnity; some of them memorably so; — and 
in social intercourse, where, according to the apostolic 
rule, '^ all may speak one by one, that all may learn, 
and all may be comforted," — the opportunities have 
been no less interesting and edifying. It seems indeed 
to be a time of singular visitation to the people; and 
their hearts appear to be prepared, and preparing for 
an increase of knowledge, in respect to the nature of 



LETTER OF EDT^fcA.RD STABLER. 181 

the gospel of Christ, its mode of manifestation, and the 
manner of its operations upon the human soul, in re- 
deeming it from all iniquity. 

My health continues unimpaired. I have scarcely 
felt a pain that was worthy of the name, since I left 
thee. How different this result has been from my aw- 
ful forebodings, and the fearful discouragements that 
assailed me before I started from home ! I have often 
thought of that season since; and have been satisfied 
that it was intended to show me, that I could do no- 
thing of myself; — and that all the excellency of the 
power for every good w^ork, is of God, — and not of 
me. My love to thyself and my precious children, as 
well as to all my friends and relations, who may in- 
quire after thy poor wanderer. 

Edward Stabler. 

On returning his certificate to the monthly meeting, 
he solemnly remarked, that "the services which it au- 
thorized, had been performed to the relief and consola- 
tion of his mind." 

In the course of his travels in New Jersey, after 
attending a meeting which he had appointed among 
people of other societies, Edward Stabler was attacked 
by some persons, who appeared to be dissatisfied with 
his view^s on the subject of the Atonement, as not be- 
ing enough outward. In this conference, Edward ex- 
plained the subject to them so clearly, that they ap- 
peared to be generally well satisfied. He, however, 
on further consideration, thought it possible that some 
16 



^1 

182 ESSAY OF EDWARD STABLER. 

of them might misrepresent his views on that subject, 
and the next day he wrote the following short essay 
on the doctrine of the Atonement, which he put into 
the hands of a Friend, to be used as occasions might 
require. 

The Atonement. 

The spiritual or religious reality, which is intend- 
ed to be expressed by the term Atonement, is in my 
opinion vastly more comprehensive, than is generally 
apprehended by the professors of christainty. It im- 
plies the means and the fact of reconciliation between 
the creature and the Creator; — as is expressed in the 
prayer of the blessed Jesus, (John xvii. 21) " That 
they all may he one; as thou, Father, art in me, and 
I in thee, that they also may he one in us." It con- 
sequently embraces every thing relative to this union; 
and includes redemption, — salvation, — and their ne- 
cessary consequence, beatification. 

If man did not commit sin, there would be no neces- 
sity for redemption. If he could not commit sin, there 
would be nothing to be saved from. And in a sinless, 
pure, and perfect state, he would necessarily be bless- 
ed. Sin therefore is the " partition wall*' which sepa- 
rates between him and his Creator, and causes the 
difference between them; agreeably to that declaration 
of the prophet Isaiah, 59th chap. 2nd verse: "Your 
iniquities have separated between you and your God, 
and your sins have hid his face from you." That 
'power, then, which removes this wall of partition, is 
the atoning power; and the state of the creature in 



ESSAY OF EDWARD STABLER. 183 

whom this momentous change has been accomplished, 
constitutes the atonement^ as it regards him: because 
that which separated between him and his ever bless- 
ed Creator is done away, — and he is now at one with 
Him. The atoning power, therefore, is the same 
which redeems man from transgression, when he has 
fallen into it; — and saves him from falling, when he 
will obey it. It is Divine in its nature, because it is 
'^Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God." 
And it cannot lose any thing of its divinity by being 
manifested in our flesh, for the gracious purpose of 
'^ blessing us, by turning every one of us from our 
iniquities,"— -no more, than its divinity was impaired 
by taking upon it " the seed of Abraham," — in the 
instance of the blessed Jesus. 

This Christ, the power and wisdom of God, is omni- 
present, eternal, and unchangeable; for these are in- 
separable from Divinity. He is not a person, (strictly 
speaking) as wisdom is not a person, — nor is power a 
person. But, both wisdom and power may be mani- 
fested in persons, making them wise and jpowerful; — 
as was the case in the holy Jesus. 

Like the sun, the luminaiy of the outward world, 
Christ is alike present in all ages and times, — and 
with all persons and conditions; — and always operates 
in the same way upon the same states of being. His 
atoning, or reconciling operations are manifested in 
man, — the being to be reconciled: and he begins the 
process by " convincing him of sin." He advances it, 
by convincing him " of righteousness." He perfects 
it, by " redeeming him from all iniquity." Wonderful 



184 MEMOIR OF EDWARD STABLER. 

are the fitness and sufficiency of the means, by which 
these are accomplished. He contends against pride, 
by humility; — against cruelty, with mercy; — against 
folly, with wisdom; — against hatred, with love; — 
against revenge, with forgiveness, &c. &c. And as 
the powers of iniquity, which destroy the image of 
God in the human soul, are successively annihila- 
ted, the state of the creature becomes porportionally 
changed from '' the image of the earthly," to " the 
image of the heavenly;" — and he is translated *' from 
darkness to light, and from the power of satan, to 
God." 

There are many words and theories in relation to 
this subject, as well as about other things. But as it 
is self-evident, that we cannot be illuminated, nor 
nourished, by the words light and food^ nor by any 
theories, false or true, concerning them;— -so it is 
equally true, that in relation to the all-important cir- 
cumstance of reconciliation with God, — the heavenly 
operations by which it is accomplished, and not words 
and theories about them, — constitute the true atone- 
ment: or, in other words, The Christian Religion. — 
For, as the illustrious Paul has said, " The kingdom 
of God is not in word, but in po\yer." 1 Cor. iv. 20. 

Edward Stabler. 

Under the influence of that love which was display- 
ed in his whole conduct, he still frequently employed 
his leisure hours in writing to his correspondents. — 
The following letters contain a series of clear and elo- 
quent remarks on the subject of religion. 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 185 

Alexandria, 1829. 
Truly, my dear cousin, those advocates for religion 
(in all ages) who have clothed her with gloom and 
austerity, — and have depicted her heavenly counte- 
nance as distorted with frowns and lowering with se- 
verity, have not only done the greatest injustice to her 
celestial nature, but, after the example of the Jews, 
(in relation to the most perfect example of her undi- 
vided influence, that ever was exhibited to human 
observation,) they have concealed her beauties by a 
'^ scarlet rohe'^ of their own making, and putting on, 
and have crowned her with thorns of their own platting. 
The motive also appears to have been the same in both 
instances. The corruptness of human nature, while 
it is permitted to govern, is feelingly alive and trem- 
blingly sensitive to the existence and progress of that 
pure ''power and wisdom,''^ the whole nature of which 
is opposed to, and destructive of the sovereignty of evih 
The Divine life, (from which this pure wisdom and 
power are inseparable,) when manifested in human 
nature, always exhibits the same character, — does the 
same things, — and exhibits the same unchangeable 
'^ holiness, — harmlessness, — and separation from every 
thing that is sinful.'^ And blessed are they who are 
not offended at its purity, nor rebellious to its author- 
ity. But this purity and authority being in all their 
operations hostile to every principle of corruption, they 
who love corruption hate the life, because it bears irre- 
sistible evidence that " their deeds are evil." These 
then are they who see Christ and religion (of which 
16* 



186 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 

he is the alone author) through a gloomy medium. 
To them he appears "as a tender plant," — ^too tender 
to afford them protection; — and in their view "he has 
no form nor comeliness, — and no beauty that they 
should desire him." He teaches them to deny ungod- 
liness and worldly lusts; — and to "live soberly, righ- 
teously, and godly in this present world." But these 
are the things that they love, and are unwilling to part 
from. Notwithstanding, the demonstrations of fact and 
experience bear concurrent testimony, that all who are 
ungodly and obey the lusts of the world, — and live in- 
temperately and unrighteously, — are as necessarily 
miserable, as that any other effect proceeds from its 
proper cause. 

These then are the parents of that gloom, and de- 
jection, and anxiety, with which so many of the pro- 
fessed teachers and other professors of Christianity are 
too often clothed; — and with which they conceal the 
beauty of that Divine Truth which, if it were permit- 
ted to reign in their minds, would make them free 
from the bonds of corruption, — and from all the mis- 
takes and distresses occasioned by it. But, alas! they 
fear "the cross of Christ;" which, my dear cousin, is 
not made of wood, but of those principles and powers 
by which the world is crucified to us, and we to the 
world: not the material world which is composed of 
earth, air, fire, and water; — for that stands in the Di- 
vine order, and is every particle of it good and perfect 
for the purposes intended by it; — but of that world 
which the apostle John spoke of, when he said, " All 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 187 

that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust 
of the eyes, and the pride of life," which are ''not of 
the Father, but of the world. '^ 

I am, affectionately, thy kinsman, 

Edward Stabler. 

Alexandria, 5th mo. 11th, 1829. 

Perhaps there is not a more delightful office that is 
connected with social intercourse, than that of com- 
municating to those we love a knowledge of those 
things by which they may be greatly benefited; nor is 
there any enjoyment derivable from the same source, 
more exquisite than to see them partakers of the good 
things to which their attention has been directed. 

Both these enjoyments have been measurably mine, 
every time I have adverted to the interesting travel 
which I so recently was a partner in, with thy belov- 
ed parents, E. H., and thyself. I have not often 
known a greater plentitude of that precious influence, 
the native breathings of which are, '' Glory to God in 
the highest; on earth peace, good-will toward men,'^ — 
than during that little journey. And the blessing is 
enhanced by the certainty, that no human energy could 
have commanded its presence, — nor no human wisdom 
directed its progress; but, "like the rain which cometh 
down, and the snow from heaven, — to water the earth, 
and cause it to bring forth seed to the sower, and bread 
to the eater," — we were indebted for the benefaction to 
that gracious Being, who delights to exercise " loving- 
kindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth." 



188 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 

The truth of this view is, I think, demonstrated by our 
utter inability to give ourselves these seasons of light 
and enjoyment; for, if this were practicable, would we 
not always have them? Or would any of us be in- 
duced to suffer the "spirit of heaviness," when "the 
garments of praise" were within our reach? 

But we are made partakers of the Divine bounty, 
as really as we are of the weaknesses and miseries of 
the flesh; and we are thereby practically instructed in 
the distinctive nature of each. And, whether we ever 
advert to the declaration of the apostle or not, our ex- 
perience assures us, that " to be carnally-minded is 
death;" but "to be spiritually-minded, is life and 
peace." The wants and distresses of human nature 
are matters of experience, concerning which no ra- 
tional mind can doubt, any more than it can question 
the reality of its own existence. And as the effects 
of these are always ungrateful and ofTensive, there is 
a universal effort to get free from them. And this is 
the origin of all the schemes for this purpose, which 
are practiced by the whole family of mankind. 

The wants and distresses which appertain to the na- 
tural man, can be supplied and alleviated by natural 
means. These are the agents which are divinely ap- 
pointed for these purposes; and we see that they are 
adequate to accomplish them. Our hunger is always 
remedied by food, and our thirst by drink; — our bodies 
are sheltered and protected from cold and tempest, by 
dwellings and clothing; — and all other natural agents 
accomplish the ends for which they were intended, 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 180 

with equal perfection. But food will not satisfy the 
hunger of the soul, nor will water quench its thirst, 
nor wash away its defilements. No natural substance 
was ever qualified to minister to its peace, or to supply 
its necessities: but that same gracious Power which 
created, and gave natural things for natural purposes, 
has also given spiritual things for spiritual purposes. 
But alas! how many of us are deluded with the per- 
suasion, that the former can accomplish the purposes 
of the latter; — and therefore practice and depend upon 
" meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal 
ordinances," to make us " perfect as pertaining to the 
conscience!" Nay, many do more w^eakly than this: 
they depend upon a mere credence of the historical 
fact, of what these things have done for the bodies of 
persons in past ages, — to do that for their souls, which 
they never did for the souls of any. At the same time, 
the bountiful and adorable Father of the universe, has 
never " left himself without a witness," in the expe- 
rience of every human being, not only that natural 
things cannot supply the wants of the soul, nor obviate 
its distresses, — but that he has also liberally and gra- 
ciously given us access to the "corn of heaven;" — of 
which that food, and drink, and raiment, are made, 
that are as effectual to sustain, to satisfy, to protect, 
and to cherish it, — as the productions of the earth are 
to perform similar offices to the animal being. And 
these blessed things are as obvious to our discernment 
as the fruits of the earth. For we do know the princi- 
ples of righteousness, goodness, and truth, — that they 
are not the fruits of the earth; — and that they are not 



190 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 

perceptible by the natural senses; and that their infal- 
lible effects are, to make us righteous, good, and true. 

Why then, my dear friend, should any of us depend 
upon man, whose breath is in his nostrils? — or confide 
in the doctrines of his invention? — or bow to his au- 
thority, in relation to Divine things? — when it is self- 
evident, that none of the efforts of which he is capable, 
can save us from a sin, or imbue us with a virtue. 
Especially, when it is equally evident, that the Father 
of mercies, the God of all glory, has "opened the win- 
dows of heaven," and has poured out the streams of 
righteousness, goodness, and truth, to wash away our 
sins,-— to satisfy the hunger of our souls, — to quench 
their thirst, — and to supply all their wants. 

Upon my return home, I found all my dear family 
well; — and the next day, our monthly meeting direct- 
ed that I should be supplied with a minute, expressive 
of their concurrence with my prospect of visiting New 
York, New Jersey, &c. — and if nothing should occur 
to prevent, I expect to leave home on the afternoon of 
the 18th instant, and shall probably be in Philadelphia 
on the 21st. I should be much pleased if your house 
lay in my way, — in which case, I should rejoice to see 
you again, in order (as the Indians say) to brighten 
the chain of affection, by which my heart is bound to 
your beloved family. To all of them I wish to be af- 
fectionately remembered, — and to the kind friends of 
your neighbourhood: and be assured, my dear child, 
that thou art as much as ever beloved by thy friend, 

Edward Stabler. 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 191 

Alexandria, 7th mo. 31st, 1829. 
I sent thee a message, my dear A., by thy sister 
from New York, acknowledging myself thy debtor, 
and promising to make payment as soon and as well 
as I could. But the promise has been all that has 
been in my power, as I have been travelling from 
place to place ever since until the 23rd, when I was 
favoured to return to my dear family in good health. 
The same blessing had been dispensed to me during 
my whole journey; for I think I did not feel any thing 
that gratitude would allow me to call a pain^ while I 
was absent from home for sixty-five days. 

My visit has been a very interesting one indeed. 
The hearts of my dear friends were every where open 
to receive me. And though I was opposed in two 
instances, yet the efforts were so feeble and embar- 
rassed, that they were without effect upon any but the 
opposers themselves. To them, indeed, they were a 
serious disadvantage; not only immediately, by the 
tendency of these hostile tempers to destroy the peace 
of their own minds, but also from the effects they had 
upon the multitude, before whom their disposition to 
injure (without the power) was so obviously manifest- 
ed. The impression made upon my mind by their ef- 
forts, was compassion for them, on account of the mis- 
taken course they were pursuing, which could only 
tend to their own distress and discomfiture. 

But, my dear friend, all these things may be made 
instructive to us, by showing us the true nature of 
those realities, in which we are all so deeply interest- 
ed. Observation and experience alike prove to us, that 



192 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 

independently of all theories and dogmas, our minds are 
blessed, or made miserable, by the tempers or affections 
which sway or govern them. And as these are per- 
mitted to proceed into action, they then produce natural 
and moral good, or evil; which severally beatify or 
distress the members of the human family, in their 
natural and moral relations. And I cannot see any 
applicable meaning, in the recorded experience and 
sentiments of the holy men of old, nor any utility from 
the perusal of their writings, — except that which refers 
to these, as the immediate causes of all righteousness 
and iniquity, and their successive consequences for- 
ever. 

Thus, when the holy Jesus three times admonished 
his disciple Peter, "Feed my lambs; — feed my sheep; — 
feed my sheep;" — what did he mean? We do not find 
in scripture, nor any where else, that he ever had or 
owned any of the animals here named. He must there- 
fore have alluded to other things, of which these ani- 
mals were adduced as a proper symbol. And these 
will be found in the innocent, harmless, and gentle af- 
fections, which distinguish the lamh from the tiger and 
the wolf. And, as every nature requires its appropri- 
ate food, to sustain its life, and promote its increase, — 
so the kinds of life which produce these tempers, are 
capable of being fed, and thereby of increasing and 
multiplying. Their food also is as different as their 
natures; for we know that the nutriment which sus- 
tains innocence, meekness, and gentleness, is as different 
from that which sustains guilt, arrogance, waA fierce- 
ness, — as the food of the lamb, is different from that 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 193 

of the tiger. This view, then, of the meaning of the 
admonition of Jesus, shows it to be of universal appli- 
cability, and universal interest. It therefore appears 
to me to constitute the only method by which true 
instruction can be derived from any part of the scrip- 
tures, whether preceptive or historical. For, when we 
read in them the true history of a good or a bad man, 
or people, — what appropriable instruction can be de- 
rived from such a history, but from the fact, that the 
same things which governed them, and made them had 
or good, — will also, if they govern us, produce the same 
effects in us? And hence, the blessing pronounced by 
the holy Jesus upon '' that faithful and wise servant, 
whom his Lord had made ruler over Ms household, to 
give them their meat in due season. ^^ The house- 
hold of the Lord is composed of all the holy tempers 
and affections; and if we feed and nurture them, we 
shall find the Messing, in experiencing them to be 
"ministering spirits to minister for us, as heirs of sal- 
vation." 

I had many hopes of seeing thee and thy dear father 
when I was at Philadelphia and Bristol; but I suppose 
you did not hear of my being so near you. -Had time 
admitted of my following the impulse of inclination, I 
should certainly have gone on purpose to see your 
family; but as it did not, I had to be contented with 
continuing to love you, without personal intercourse, 
as dearly as if I had been with you. My best love 
again salutes you all; and I hope the kindness and 
generosity of thy heart will not permit thee to imitate 
17 



194 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 

my tardiness as a correspondent, but that thou wilt 
write soon to thy very affectionate friend, 

Edward Stabler. 



Alexandria, 9th mo. 18th, 1829. 
Hundreds of times, my dear E., since my late in- 
teresting visit to my friends in New Jersey, have my 
recollections re-travelled the field of feeling and affec- 
tion with them. And when my own mind is favoured, 
in any degree, with " the light of the knowledge of the 
glory of God in the (present) appearance of Jesus 
Christ," — I then am sensible of a proportionate desire 
that all people may look to him to be instructed by 
his wisdom^ and qualified by his "power, to perceive and 
to pursue the path which leads to present and eternal 
peace. 

My heart has often included thee and thy sister M. 
in the tender embraces of this desire. I have hoped 
that your innocent minds were not as yet shackled 
with the trammels of prejudice and superstition, nor 
enlisted as partisans in the war of words and systems, 
which has a tendency to divide and scatter, instead of 
collecting the children of men into one fold, and under 
the one blessed Shepherd. To such as you, I am 
satisfied the language of the Divine Saviour is always 
applicable; -'Suffer the little children to come unto 
me, and forbid them not; for of such is the kingdom of 
heaven." And truly, though this invitation was utter- 
ed by Him through the medium of a "prepared body," 
yet his blessed being was not limited to that body; 
otherwise it would be impossible for any to come to 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 195 

him but those who were present in Judea while he 
was there. The scriptures, on the contrary, declare 
in the clearest manner, his universality, — as ^'ihe true 
light that lighteth every man that cometh into the 
world," — as the Creator of " all things that are in 
heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, 
whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principali- 
ties, or powers," — as being "over all, God blessed 
forever," and " the same yesterday, to-day, and for- 
ever." 

Therefore it is undeniable, that all may come to 
Him, and find the declarations of scripture fulfilled in 
their experience, — by finding him to be indeed a Sa- 
viour, and a Redeemer from the numerous enemies 
which wound and captivate, — which torture and de- 
stroy so many of the sons and daughters of men. 

Our own individual observation will abundantly as- 
sure us, that the awful artificers of all the miseries of 
the human family, are their own vehement and dis- 
ordered passions. It is appalling, even to imagine the 
roaring of the lion, or the fierce and inexorable cruelty 
of the "wild beasts of the desert." But it is compara- 
tively easy to avoid these, and to defend ourselves from 
them; nor have they any thing of danger or terror 
in them, compared with similar tempers, when they 
actuate intelligent minds. In proof of this assertion, 
compare the devastations of avarice, pride, injustice, 
cruelty, &c., with all the desolation which has ever 
been produced by all the wild beasts and venomous 
serpents from the beginning of the world until now; 
and thou wilt perceive how small the latter has been 



196 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 

in comparison with the former. But these tremendous 
consequences are only the outside works of those unhal- 
lowed principles. Their effects in the world of mind 
are still more deplorable; for they destroy its peace, 
and defile its purity, — and deform its beauty, — and 
derange the heavenly symmetry of its powers. 

And can it be rationally believed, that this discord 
can be prevented? or, when the chaos has in any 
measure taken place, that the wilderness can be again 
changed into an Eden, — or the desert into a '' garden 
of the Lord," by the feeble agency of human words 
and opinions, — of sectarian creeds or systems? No, 
my dear young friend. The fruitless experiment has 
been tried for ages, and by all generations in succes- 
sion! And it still remains unalterably true, that "the 
power of the Highest'' must '^overshadow" us, — the 
"Holy Spirit" must " come upon" us, in order to gene- 
rate in us that holy thing that is truly the Son of 
God; and who only has power in the soul to open its 
blind eyes, — to unstop its deaf ears, — to cleanse its 
leprosy, — to heal all its maladies, — to raise it from 
death unto life, — to preach the gospel to its poverty, — 
and to bless all those that "are not offended in him." 
He only can work the miracle of making all things 
new; — "new heavens, and a new earth," where righ- 
teousness shall dwell, instead of iniquity, — love, in- 
stead of hatred, — peace, instead of contention, — and 
everlasting joy, instead of weeping, and wailing, and 
gnashing of teeth. 

It is a great calamity that there is so much teach- 
ing in the world, under the name of religion, that turns 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 197 

the attention of mankind from the omnipresent " power 
and wisdom of God," to another thing w^hich they call 
the gospel, — that is made up of their limited, grovelling 
views, in the feebleness and folly of men. Thousands 
are thereby induced to overlook, or disregard the in- 
fallible witnesses which he has mercifully placed in 
every human mind. For there is no intelligent crea. 
ture to whom his good and perfect gifts have not been 
distributed. And as far as these have been occupied, 
they have as invariably produced their proper fruits 
as the seeds of the earth bring forth their fruits. For 
none of us are without an unquestionable assurance, 
that justice, mercy, and truth, will make all who are 
governed by them, just, merciful, and true, — as cer- 
tainly as the apple tree produces apples, or the pear 
tree, pears. 

Finally, then, my young friend, I commend thee to 
that blessed and heavenly birth, or manifestation of 
the Divine nature, which is the living Fountain from 
whence all the streams of righteousness have ever is- 
sued. He has loved thee, and given himself for thee, 
as thy Saviour and Redeemer; and if thou wilt take 
him for thy portion, he will liberate thee from the 
bondage of corruption, and give thee ^'beauty for 
ashes, — the oil of joy for mourning, — and the garment 
of praise for the spirit of heaviness." 

Please to present my affectionate remembrance to 
thy uncle and aunt, to thy sister, and to any friends 
who may inquire after thy affectionate friend, 

Edward Stabler. 
X7* 



198 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 

To Elizabeth Hunt, Darhy, Pa. 

Alexandria, 9th mo. 24th, 1829. 
Thy father's letter, giving me intelligence of the 
peaceful close of our dear Ann, came duly to hand. 
The information was not unexpected; for when I was 
last with you, the probability that she would before 
long be released from the pains and troubles of time, 
seemed very apparent. I am fully persuaded that 
there is no cause to mourn for her; as I am satisfied 
that the gracious Being who created and preserved 
her innocent, has translated her gentle spirit to a state 
of being, "where the wicked cease from troubling, 
and the weary are at rest." That thy affectionate 
feelings should be deeply distressed by the event, 
is neither strange, nor improper. On the contrary, 
our holy Example pronounced a blessing upon those 
that mourn: and I think I am qualified by experience 
to say, that there is, in the tendering influences of 
mourning upon the human mind, a preparation wrought 
to receive more abundantly the impressions which pro- 
duce present and everlasting comfort. 

There are no earthly events which have so power- 
ful a tendency to " remove the earth out of her place" 
in the soul's affections, as the loss of intimate and be- 
loved friends: for, as they are the dearest of all earth- 
ly treasures, so they are precisely like ourselves: and 
we see that we are also liable to that which has oc- 
curred to them; and the love we have for them, brings 
the impression home to the feelings, and fixes it there. 
And as long as our love for their memory remains, so 
long is our attention turned, with proportionate cor- 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 199 

rectness, to the seat of endeared recollections within 
ourselves. And though, like Mary Magdalene at the 
sepulchre, we may go there to weep, yet that is the 
place where we find the blessed Saviour, the source 
and bestower of all consolation and comfort. 

Is not mourning then crowned with comfort, when 
it leads to a discovery so blessed? I am not willing 
to doubt that it will have this desirable effect upon thy 
gentle spirit; and that thou wilt yet see that it has 
been " expedient" for thee that this outward object of 
thy love " should be taken away,'^ in order that thou 
mightest become increasingly acquainted with that 
" Holy Spirit" which gave her all her loveliness, and 
will lead thee also into all truth; and become, even 
in thy own estimate, a treasure for which all other 
things are cheaply parted with. 

It was consistent with the wisdom and goodness of 
my heavenly Father, to introduce my mind into the 
depth of sorrow, preparatory to my more intimate ac- 
quaintance with his wisdom and power , as spiritually 
manifested. The dearest object of my affections, my 
precious wife, was removed from me by death. She 
was my idol, at whose shrine all my warmest affec- 
tions were devoted : and when she was taken from me, 
not only were my "heavens shaken," but "the earth 
also was removed out of her place;" and in the bitter- 
ness of my affliction, I was ready to conclude that a 
sentence of everlasting extinction was pronounced up- 
on all my hopes of happiness. My state of mind was 
that of a wilderness, where none but doleful tempers 
and feelings had their habitations; and to these I was 



200 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 

a continual prey. These experiences have qualified 
me not only to sympathize with those who are under 
similar afflictions, — but twenty-three years of added 
experience have shown me, that though "• he allures 
us into the wilderness," it is for merciful purposes. 
He does not intend that for our permanent residence; 
but, after he has rendered us sensible of the frailty of 
all things hut himself^ and of the disorder and confu- 
sion which result from every other government hut his 
owriy — he begins the blessed work of the new creation, 
agreeably to his own declaration, " Behold, I make all 
things new.'' 

I am persuaded, my dear young friend, that thou 
wilt find this gracious promise realized in thy here- 
after experience, if thou wilt not resist his operations, 
nor attempt to accomplish for thyself, and by means 
of thy own devising, a liberation from the wilderness 
condition. ^' Let patience have its full and perfect 
work." " Trust in the Lord with all thy heart, and 
lean not to thy own understanding," and he will pre- 
pare thy way, by changing all that constitutes the wil- 
derness, (a work which man of himself never did, nor 
ever can perform,) by " creating in thee a new heart, 
and renewing a right spirit within thee." And as the 
blessed work will be performed hy him, and not by 
thyself alone, nor any other being, he will become the 
ohject of thy love. And then thou wilt " come up^ 
from the wilderness, leaning upon thy Beloved," — 
" fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible" to 
every thing that would hurt or annoy thee, " as an 
army with banners." This is what my tenderest af- 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 201 

fections desire for thee. Do not give thyself up to too 
much grief and dejection; but cultivate resignation to 
the will of thy heavenly Father. 

The dear one who is gone, is doubtless better pro- 
vided for thaKi if she were here, with the sovereignty 
of the world and its pleasures at her command. And 
though thou art deprived of the comfort of her society, 
thou hast many benefits remaining; and above all, 
thou hast free access to that pure Fountain of life and 
love, which is manifested within thee; of which thou 
mayst drink as certainly as she does, and find it to be 
at once the baptizing element, and the river of the 
water of life, of which thy soul may drink, and live 
forever in the enjoyment of its precious influences. 

Please to present my afiectionate salutation to thy 
father, and all thy beloved relations, as if named. I 
cordially love them, and desire their individual pros- 
perity as I do thy own, in the best things. Write to 
me soon, for thy letters are always acceptable to 
Thy affectionate friend, 

Edward Stabler. 

Alexandria, 9lh mo. 30th, 1829. 
So very pleasant have been my recollections of my 
visit to my beloved friends, that I have been, many 
times since parted with you, incited to inform you in 
this way, how dear you were to my best feelings : and 
I now think I ought not to put it ofi* any longer. I con- 
sider it an exalted privilege, to be capable of feeling 
this " unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace:" and it 



202 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 

is scarcely less so, that there are so many precious 
ones in the world, who can be embraced as legitimate 
objects of the same endearing influence. My late 
visit to New Jersey made me acquainted with many 
of these, that I knew nothing of before; and of course, 
enlarged my circle of enjoyments, by multiplying the 
objects of that unselfish love which increases by ex- 
pansion, and becomes more intense in proportion as it 
is extended. 

The disciples of the blessed" Jesus, when they be- 
came partakers of the heavenly spirit by which he 
was actuated in all he did, found that the selfish dis- 
positions by which they had been previously governed, 
were changed by ils pure influence, and no man said 
that any thing he had was his own, but " they had all 
things common." And such remains to be its liberal 
character, especially in respect to the good things be- 
longing to its own nature and kingdom: and all who 
know it and are governed by it, become like-minded 
with it. To them it becomes a joy, when others par- 
take of the same precious spirit which blesses them; — 
and they are disposed, with the prophet, to invite 
" every one that thirsteth to come to the waters; — and 
him that hath no money, to come and buy wine and 
milk without money and without price." For, as wine 
and milk are cordial and sustaining to the animal be- 
ing, — so are the fruits of the Spirit, which consist in 
'^ all righteousness, goodness, and truth," alike invigo- 
rating and nutritious to the spiritual being. The Fa- 
ther of mercies is the giver of both; — but he has de- 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 203 

signed them for specific purposes, which they answer 
most perfectly; but they never can be substituted for 
each other. 

The soul has its hunger, as well as the body; and 
when it fasts, there is a temptation arising from its 
cravings, to make food of earthly things. " If thou 
be the son of God, command these stones to be made 
bread. ^' But is it not written in the living volume of 
all human experience, that earthly things are as inca- 
pable of satisfying the hunger of the soul, as stones 
are of supplying the place of bread to the animal be- 
ing? There also it is written, that "by every word 
that proceedeth out of the mouth of God, shall man 
live :" — not the " man that is born of woman, who 
hath but few days, and full of trouble;'^ — but the man 
who is a spiritual being, and is " the offspring of God." 
The former can feed upon the fruits of the earth; — 
they furnish his proper food; — they grow in the region 
of his existence; — and they " perish with the using." 
It is the latter only that can perceive or partake of 
"the fruits of the Spirit," and find in them his indis- 
pensable and appropriate sustenance. They proceed 
" out of the mouth of God." He alone is their author; 
and they constitute '• the bread that cometh down from 
heaven, and giveth life to the w^orld." These are the 
viands that do not perish with the using; for love in- 
creases, when we feed upon it; and so does joy, and 
peace, and gentleness, and goodness, and truth, &;c. 
The region in man, where these celestial fruits are 
planted, and known, and may be cultivated, is indeed 
an " Eden" of Divine formation. There only can we 



204 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 

find our proper good, and the preventives and reme- 
dies of all evil. 

But alas! for poor human nature! From the be- 
ginning, through all its posterity, (in greater or less 
degrees,) it falls by the power of temptation. Its spi- 
ritual hunger requires and solicits food; and it yields 
to the impulse to substitute " stones" for " bread." 
It is indued with native aspirations for "glory and 
honour," its true crown and diadem: but the kingdoms 
of this world, with their imperfect and fugitive glories, 
are presented in fascinating prospective to its view; — 
and it bows in homage and service to the powers by 
which only they can be obtained. But still it remains 
anxious and unsatisfied; — and then it invents a reli- 
gion, and constructs a temple, which is formed of ma- 
terials that are dug out of the earth, or grow upon its 
surface. It hews, and squares, and arranges them by 
its natural powers and wisdom : — and to ascend to its 
*' pinnacle," or highest point, is a natural ambition, 
for which all its preceding steps have prepared the 
way, and furnished the inducements. And when this 
is attained, it too often has happened, that man, infla- 
ted with his pre-eminence, and confiding in his sup- 
posed security, has obeyed the temptation to " cast 
himself down;" — and the rocks of pride, luxury, ava- 
rice, cruelty, intemperance, &;c. &c. have received 
him in his awful yaZZ into the region of corruption ! 

From these deplorable consequences, it is evident 
he might have been saved by obeying the suggestions 
or monitions of that holy and pure Life which created 
him at first, and whose inspirations are humility, tern- 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 205 

perance, liberality, mercy, &c. &;c. Because a co-ex- 
istence of these with the principles of corruption, is as 
impossible as concord between light ami darkness, or 
any other opposites. And the same which could have 
saved Mm from falling, is obviously that alone by which 
he can be redeemed from (or out of) the fall, when it 
has taken place. 

In this view, all is comprehensible, and all is ade- 
quate. But what poor and feeble substitutes for this 
efficient religion of life and power, are the dry and 
lifeless systems of human invention, where creeds, 
doctrines, professions, and opinions, are the only wea- 
pons which are furnished to contend against " princi- 
palities and powers, and spiritual wickedness in high 
places,'^ which are the sole " rulers of the darkness of 
this world!" But, copious and interesting as the sub- 
ject is, I must cease, or not have room to say how 
glad I should be to hear from you. My best love sa- 
lutes you all, — and I am, with truth and sincerity, 
your friend, 

Edward Stabler. 

Alexandria, 10th mo. 16th, 1829. 

A letter with thy signature, my dear Elizabeth, will 
always be acceptable to a friend who feels as affec- 
tionately attached to thee as I do; — and I am gratified 
at the evidence thou hast given me of thy friendship 
and confidence. 

In the present state of the professing religious world, 
it is emphatically a time of " wars and rumours of 
wars." For, great are the conflicts of passion and 
18 



206 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 

opinion, — *^ the sea and the waves roaring, and men's 
hearts failing them for fear/' lest their systems and 
views, to which they have attached the character of 
sacredness, should fall into ruin and destruction, amid 
the tumult of wind opposing wind^ and wave dashing 
against wave. But it is still the counsel of Infinite 
Goodness to them who have chosen to follow him, 
rather than the windy 'professions, the passionate heats, 
and the quakings of earthly views and interests, — 
" See that ye be not troubled; for all these things must 
come to pass." " For nation shall rise against nation, 
and kingdom against kingdom;" each one opposing all 
others; — not that the kingdom of God and his Christ 
may be established, but that their own supremacy 
may prevail, and all others be subjected to their au- 
thority. For every party is proclaiming, "Lo! here 
is Christ, among us: and as Christ is the only Saviour, 
if you come not with us, you cannot be saved." 

But, my dear child, "believe them not:" for, like 
" the lightning which cometh out of the east, and 
shineth even unto the west," — Christ is only seen or 
known by his own light: and all who truly perceive 
him, behold him coming in the '^bright clouds of hea- 
ven," — "with power and great glory:" not in the 
dark clouds which float (visible to the natural eye) in 
the gross atmosphere of this world, which the eyes of 
birds and beasts, and creeping things can behold also. 
" And he shall send his angels/' (not the messengers 
of man's devising,) " and shall gather together his 
elecf (not those which man shall choose,) "from the 
four winds,— from the uttermost part of the earth, to 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 207 

the uttermost part o^heaven.^^ And this blessed office 
has always been his, and his alone; and he has always 
employed the same " ministering spirits," — the same 
*' angels;" for he is unchangeaUe: — and these minis- 
tering angels are the "fruits of the Spirit." "Love" 
gathers us into the fold of affection; and ^^joy" deliv- 
ers us from sorrow; — and " peace" surrounds us with 
tranquillity; and " gentleness" makes us gentle; and 
"goodness" makes us good, &c. &c. And by " all 
these w^orketh one and the self -same Spirit, dividing 
unto every man severally as he will." 

Dost thou not know the truth of these things? — 
Therefore, let not thy " heart be troubled" at the wars 
and rumours of wars. "Thou believest in God;" be- 
lieve also in this hirth of his ''power and wisdom^^^ 
which is his " Christ within, the hope of glory," — and 
" the true light that lighteth every man that cometh in- 
to the world." If thy attention be exclusively turned 
to the roaring of the sea, and to the magnitude of the 
waves, which have been thrown into tumult by the 
fierce winds of party spirit, and the oppositions of 
opinion, — nothing but fear, and an apprehension of 
perishing, can be afforded by such a view. But if 
thou wilt turn to this holy birth of the Divine nature^ 
manifested within thee, all these disquieting and terri- 
fying commotions will be rebuked by him. Peace will 
succeed to tempest; and a heavenly calm, to the roar- 
ing of the sea, and the destructive concussions of the 
waves. 

Our present experience of the effects of these reali- 
ties, gives us the strongest possible assurance of their 



208 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 

unchangeable influences upon the souls of the chil- 
dren of men. And let it never be forgotten, that the 
same souls that now inhabit a body of flesh and blood, 
in time, — will be the inhabitants of eternity. And as 
good and evil produce their distinctive effects now; — 
the first ennobling, exalting, and blessing the soul; — 
the second defiling, degrading, and tormenting it, — such 
will be their relative influences forever, 

I am entirely satisfied, that no system of man can 
alter the natures of good and evil, any more than dif- 
ferent systems of philosophy can change the establish- 
ed order of the Universe. I know, and all mankind 
know it also, that " the work of righteousness is peace; 
and the effect of righteousness, quietness and assu- 
rance forever." The opposite is therefore necessarily 
true : the work of wickedness is inquietude, and the 
eflTect of wickedness, distress and confusion forever. 
No fatuity, nor delusion, therefore, can be greater 
than to forsake " the Fountain of living w^aters," from 
which all the streams of righteousness have ever flow- 
ed, and still flow; — and to employ all our immortal 
energies in forming creeds and systems, — when all 
men experience and know that they are, at best, 
^^ broken cisterns, that can hold no water." 

The cordial salutations of my dear family are pre- 
sented to thee, in return for thy message of love to 
them; and with best wishes for thy present and ever- 
lasting welfare, I am, truly and sincerely, thy friend, 

Edward Stabler. 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 209 

Alexandria, 11th mo. 12th, 1829. 
It is not necessary, my dear friend, to tell thee that 
thy letters always give me pleasure. Independently 
of the intelligence which they convey, and which is in 
itself an interesting object,— the marks of warm afFec- 
tion, among the most estimable of all the features of 
tlie human character,^-are to me particularly valu- 
able. I admire intelligence, but I love affection. The 
most perfect state of humanity subsists in those cases 
where both are united by an inseparable marriage, 
evidently of Divine appointment, — and never dissolv- 
ed, nor deranged, but to the unspeakable disadvan- 
tage of the household over which they were intended 
to preside. If there be any one instance in which 
the precept, "What God hath joined, let no man put 
asunder," — is of the utmost consequence to be obeyed, 
it is this. For, as Young has said, "With the talents 
of an angel, a man may be a fool:" and how many 
lamentable instances have the history and observa- 
tion of man exhibited, where the intellectual powers 
of the mind have been exclusively cultivated, and its 
affections permitted to run wild, — producing monsters, 
abounding in intelligence, but divested of goodness. 
>Such cannot be objects of attachment, nor can they 
enjoy or confer happiness. Like the volcano, they are 
bright, but destructive. They shine, — but their light 
is the harbinger of desolation. 

On the contrary, — the history of ignorance, how- 
ever it may abound in affection, is not much less 
lovely than the former: though it must be admitted 
that it is not so terribly hateful. But where the two 
18* 



210 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 

subsist in due proportion, they constitute the most 
lovely of all objects, and produce the largest measure 
of happiness in all relations. To maintain them in 
this order, and to re-call, and re-arrange them, when 
they have wandered, or become disordered, is among 
the noblest employments of an intelligent and affec- 
tionate being. And for this purpose, he stands in 
need of the wisdom and power of the Divine nature, 
to be manifested in him. For it is not less true, that 
the wisdom and power of the Deity are alone capa- 
ble of maintaining the harmony of his creation, than 
that they were the only adequate agents in its origi- 
nal formation. 

The lovely family at P. are a sample of the union 
of intelligence with pure affections. I received a let- 
ter from them at the time of our Yearly Meeting; and 
it was a rich and munificent reward for one that my 
afTections had dictated and sent to them. I have 
seldom paid a visit which gave me more satisfac- 
tion than my visit there. They all seemed to dwell 
in an atmosphere where my spirit could breathe with- 
out obstruction or difficulty. I was prepared to ex- 
pect a mental feast, from some previous acquaint- 
ance; but the reality surpassed the anticipation. 

After our Yearly Meeting, we were highly gratified 
by bringing home with us a precious company of visi- 
tors. They stayed with us from seventh-day to the 
following fifth-day. It is a favour of no common mag- 
nitude to have such friends; and to enjoy a sweet, 
social intercourse with them, is among the most ex- 
quisite enjoyments in life. And when we look at the 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 211 

causes which make them so precious, is it not self-evi- 
dent, that the right order and due arrangement of the 
two great families of intellect and affection, governed 
and harmonized by Divine wisdom and goodness, give 
them all their charms? 

With due remembrance of my kind friends in your 
neighbourhood, I am sincerely thy friend, 

Edward Stabler. 

Alexandria, lllh mo. 18th, 1829. 

I have received a munificent compensation, for my 
feeble effort to express to my dear friends the tender 
affection I felt for them, by the reception, when in Bal- 
timore, of their mutual letter of 10th month 17th. My 
heart did not deceive me, when it testified in your so- 
ciety, These dwell in the region of love and gentle- 
ness; — and here my spirit has found an atmosphere in 
which it can breathe without difficulty or obstruction. 
It is clear, even to self-evidence, that such a mental 
atmosphere may, and does exist; — and that it consti- 
tutes ^^the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace:"' — 
and of which, the most fragrant and salubrious atmos- 
phere of the material world, is but a low and transient 
figure. 

But there is an unity of spirit, without the bond of 
peace. It was exemplified in the instance of Pilate 
and Herod, when they united in a determination to 
condemn the holy Jesus. Its constituents are admira- 
bly described by the prophet, in the desolated state of 
Babylon : — " The wild beasts of the islands shall cry 
in their desolate houses, and dragons in their pleasant 



212 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 

palaces." For where the human mmd becomes the 
house or habitation of such tempers and propensities 
as naturally characterize the "wild beasts" and ^-dra- 
gons," (and these were the actual causes of the ruin 
of Babylon, once " the glory of kingdoms,") though 
there may be unity of spirit, the objects effected by it 
must be desolation; — and never were, nor never can 
be " peace, — nor quietness, — nor assurance forever." 
But, " behold the Lamb of God that taketh away the 
sin of the world!" No beastly temper, — no dragon- 
like propensity deforms or defiles his heavenly Being: 
but he is the omnipresent and living Fountain of "righ- 
teousness, goodness, and truth;" " and of his fullness 
have all we received, and grace for grace." For the 
presence of every measure of these blessed realities, 
we are as certainly indebted to his manifestation in 
us, as we are to his creating power for our existence. 
And never, never has any human soul received the 
celestial visitant, and permitted him to diffuse the 
streams of his righteousness and goodness through 
it, — but who has found the animating picture of the 
inspired apostle realized in its experience : " He show- 
ed me a pure river of water of Life, clear as crystal, 
proceeding out of the throne of God, and of the Lamb." 
A throne is the emblem of sovereignty, because it is 
the seat of a king: — and in proportion as the Divine 
government prevails in every soul, there the lamb-like 
nature is in dominion; — and every thing that proceeds 
from it is " pure, — peaceable, — gentle, and easy to be 
intreated, — full of mercy and of good fruits, — without 
partiality, and without hypocrisy." 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 213 

Truly, my beloved friends, there is nothing that 
you have ever known, that is more certain than these 
blessed realities. You have seen this heavenly Sove- 
reign; and He it is who has conversed with you, since 
your earliest recollection. But his voice is without 
sound; — it is still; — it is small; yet it is ineffable , and 
full of wisdom. You know that the voice of love is 
without noise, — but how clear are its impressions ! how 
indubitable the evidences of its nature, and its requisi- 
tions ! It is the same with all the language of heaven, 
and with all the words which Christ speaks to our 
souls. They are all spirit, and they are all vital: — 
as definite and unequivocal as the impressions of love; 
and like that, they stamp their true image upon the 
mind, and cannot be misunderstood. In this spiritual 
and living language, the mysteries of godliness are re- 
vealed; — the fruits of the Spirit are produced; — and 
the mind comes to perceive, v/ith absolute certainty, 
that " the kingdom of God is not in the words which 
man's wisdom teacheth, — hut in power J ^ It is the 
power of love, to make us affectionate;— of joy, to 
make us joyful; — of peace, to make us peaceable; — 
of gentleness, to make us gentle; — of goodness, to 
make us good, &c. &c. 

These are the elementary principles, — the A, B, C, 
of the christian religion. And so far from being " an 
unpleasant task," — it is a delightful employment to 
teach the precious children to know them, — and to 
show them the combination of these letters into sylla- 
bles, and words, and sentences, — until they become 
learned in the literature of heaven, and made " wise 



214 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 

unto salvation." And, to change the metaphor to suit 
thy taste, my dear A. W., these are the 'plants of our 
heavenly Father's planting. They are capable of cul- 
tivation, and will bloom with immortal beauty. They 
are nourished by the " pure river of the water of life, 
and yield their fruits ever}^ month; and their leaves 
are for the healing of the nations." 

To my dear friend and brother and his precious 
wife, I can say with cordial sincerity, that your saliN 
tation and affectionate remembrance were very ac- 
ceptable. And what can I tender you in return, but 
the assurance of reciprocal feelings, with my best 
wishes that all things may work together for the pre- 
sent and everlasting good of yourselves and all the 
members of your household. 

I much regret that my constant engagements, du- 
ring our Yearly Meeting, did not admit of time to find 
out your young friends. I was appointed assistant- 
clerk, and upon several committees; — the several du- 
ties of which, left me scarcely any leisure. We had 
a very interesting and satisfactory Yearly Meeting. 
Taking it altogether, it was perhaps the most so of any 
I ever attended. I have been present at several, when 
the tide of life arose as high, if not higher, in particu- 
lar sittings : but to witness an assembly of six or seven 
hundred meUj^-^all of whom knew they had the privi- 
lege of speaking, — and subjects of great interest delib- 
erated upon, and concluded, — and not one jar, nor one 
discordant action or expression to occur from first to 
last, — was indeed a most grateful phenomenon, that I 
do not remember ever before to have witnessed. I 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 215 

hope our hearts were filled with gratitude for the fa- 
vour; as mine is with affection, in subscribing myself 
your sincere friend. 

Edward Stabler. 

Alexandria, 1st mo. 6th, 1830. 

Letters from our absent friends, like visits from their 
persons, are always acceptable. They both have a 
direct tendency to awaken and refresh those gentle 
and tender affections, whose nature is to bless the mind 
in which they dwell, and to prompt it to use all its ef- 
forts to extend its own blessings, by promoting the bliss 
of others. Thy affectionate letter of 13th ult., produced 
a measure of these effects upon me. It revived the re- 
collection of your kindness and fellow-feeling with the 
poor exercised traveller. And I, moreover, rejoiced 
in the evidences it afforded, that in thee I had a sister- 
spirit; alike desirous that the members of the human 
family might become acquainted with " the Truth as 
it is in Jesus, — and be thereby freed from the many 
things which destroy their peace. All men are de- 
sirous to witness this relief, — because, to all men dis- 
tress and affliction are grievous. But many give their 
money for tbose things which are " not bread," — and 
*^ their labour for that which satisfieth not." The 
world and its glories are set before them in fascinating 
array; — they think that these will give the bliss they 
are hungering for; — they try them, and are disappoint- 
ed; but still pursue the same delusive course. 

The appetites and necessities of our animal nature 
are clamorous for gratification; — and it is right that 



216 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 

they should be reasonably satisfied; "your Father 
knoweth that ye have need of these things." But 
when the soul degrades herself by making these her 
treasures, then she ''falls from heaven to earthy'^ and 
finds her desires a " bottomless pit'^ that never can be 
filled with things of this kind. How obvious then is 
the benevolence and wisdom of that counsel : " Seek 
first the kingdom of heaven, and the righteousness 
thereof." But in relation to this kingdom^ there ex- 
ists a deplorable degree of misconception among the 
children of men. In vain have the scriptures testified 
from the highest authority, that " the kingdom of hea- 
ven is within us," — that it consists in " righteousness, 
peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit." In vain does the 
experience of all intelligent beings continually bear 
witness, that these are realities, and may be known, — 
and sought after, — and attained; and that when attain- 
ed, " the work of righteousness is always peace, — and 
the efiTect of it, quietness and assurance forever." For, 
in opposition to all this weight of evidence, it appears 
as if few were disposed to seek for it there; — or to call 
upon that Life, in which " they live, and move, and 
have their being," — and that is always ready to bless 
and to save them. But, on the contrary, they are look- 
ing outward, and to futurity only; not considering that 
in futurity, as well as at the present, the righteous only 
can be blessed; — and there never can be any peace to 
the wicked, neither in time nor eternity. 

The whole tenor of human experience confirms this 
truth. A sick man cannot know the feelings of health 
until disease is removed, with its anguish and pains. 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 217 

Hunger can only be obviated by food, and darkness 
removed by light, &;c. In like manner, (and equally 
certain by experience,) the powers of evil, being un- 
changeable in their nature, must always act as dis- 
ease, hunger, and darkness do; they must produce 
misery and affliction forever. But when they are cast 
out of the soul by the powers of righteousness, these 
also are alike unchangeable in their nature, and their 
influences produce "peace, joy, and holiness of spirit" 
forever. How much it is to be lamented, my dear M., 
that this field of living facts and certainties is so heed- 
lessly overlooked by our fellow-creatures; and that, 
instead of labouring in it, where they might be con- 
tinually "receiving wages, and gathering fruit unto 
life eternal," — they turn their attention to the " winds 
of doctrines," and to unprofitable speculations, which 
leave their minds as much a prey to all sorts of evil, 
as if they made no profession of religion at all. 

I rejoice in believing that thy mind has long since 
been convinced that the "kingdom of God is not in 
word, but in power;" — and that thou hast found its 
truth and certainty, in the power of innocence to make 
thee innocent; — of love, to make thee affectionate; — 
of kindness, to make thee kind; — and of gentleness to 
make thee gentle, &c. And my best affections com- 
mend thee to that precious foundation of Eternal Power 
from which all these proceed; and, in the language of 
the apostle, " that whereunto thou hast already attain- 
ed, walk by the same rule, mind the same thing;" — 
and there cannot be one shadow of doubt, that thou 
19 



218 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 

wilt thereby be made like the " King's daughter, — all 
glorious within.'' 

My affectionate remembrance is presented to thy 
father and mother, and to Friends in your place. I 
often think of you all, with much earnestness of desire, 
that in the present day of conflict and trial, you may 
not suffer any " root of bitterness" to spring up in your 
hearts to trouble you; for where the " gall of bitter- 
ness" subsists, there also is "the bond of iniquity," 
and its cause. Farewell. It will be very grateful 
to me, to be remembered by thee in the covenant of 
christian fellowship; — and any communications from 
thy pen will be always acceptable to thy friend, 

Edw^ard Stabler. 

Alexandria, 1st mo. 11th, 183D. 
I am persuaded that the minds of all the human 
family are so constituted by our heavenly Father, that 
they are all disposed to goodness; and every person 
who becomes unrighteous, does it by resisting the na- 
tive impulses of the soul, — or by permitting them to 
become degraded by a pursuit of objects, the attain- 
ment of which requires the sacrifice of those exalted 
and beatific feelings which constitute at once the glory 
and happiness of existence. For such is really the 
situation of all those who exchange the principles 
which keep them innocent^ for any gratification that 
they cannot possess without becoming guilty. For 
every thing that is known or knowable, acts according 
to its own nature^ both in heaven and in earth. And 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 219 

it is as unreasonable, and contrary to truth and expe- 
rience, to expect the blessings of righteousness from 
the influences of any evil principle or action, — as to 
expect coldness from fire, or dryness from the effusion 
of water. 

The inspired writers, speaking of the unvarying 
natures and influences of good and evil, use the term 
forever, which means always or continually. Thus, we 
find the psalmist, speaking of Divine mercy, says, ^'his 
mercy endureth forever;" — that is, it is always the 
same, and acts in the same way. The apostle John, 
speaking of the powers of evil in their influences upon 
those who are actuated by them, describes them by 
saying, '' the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for- 
ever and ever; and they have no rest day nor night, 
who worship the beast and his image." Thou wilt 
perceive by the meaning of the compound word for- 
ever, that the influences of these things cannot be lim- 
ited (as many suppose they are) to eternity, nor to 
time, — but are unchangeable, the same in both: — that 
is, the principles of good and evil as they exist in the 
mind, (their only residence, as it regards human be- 
ings,) always act according to their nature; the good 
producing goodness, both in principle and action, — 
now and hereafter, — by day and by night, — in earth 
and in heaven; — and evil likewise bringing forth its 
own fruits perpetually. 

We are all at school in our present state of exist- 
ence; and are continually learning the most important 
truths, in becoming acquainted with the invariable 
nature and eflfects of principles and powers. Our 



220 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 

heavenly Father hath placed us here for that very 
purpose; and he has given to each of us a measure 
of " his good Spirit'^ to instruct us. He makes use of 
the realities of experience as mediums of education; 
and we cannot possibly be deceived, as long as our at- 
tention does not wander from these, and the knowledge 
they infallibly impart. 

Thy mind has long been conversant with those 
things which have made an Eden to thee, of the same 
kind of existence which has been a wilderness to many 
others, by reason of the tempers and propensities of 
wild beasts and venomous serpents, which they have 
consented should rule over them. Thou hast also 
known what it is to be tempted, as they have been. 
And the '^ good and perfect gifts," which the Father 
of mercies has bestowed upon all, have been obeyed 
by thee, and have saved thee from their bitter expe- 
rience. Fear not then to surrender thyself entirely to 
the same precious government; let the angels of thy 
Lord keep thee in their hands; and all the confedera- 
ted influences of earth and evil shall never prevail 
against thee. 

With affectionate regard, I remain thy friend, 

Edward Stabler. 

Alexandria, 1st mo. 17th, 1830. 
Dear Friend, — 

Thy letter of 12th month 28th is at hand; and I 
am disposed to comply with thy request, in furnishing 
thee with some of my views upon the subjects to which 
it refers; — after premising, that I should very much 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 221 

regret to contribute in any degree to establishing in 
thy mind a persuasion that my opinions, or those of 
any other person, can be of any real importance, in 
relation to times and circumstances so remote as the 
history and opinions of the ancient Jews; except in so 
far as they illustrate the operations of the principles 
and poivers which produce good and evil in human 
nature; and consequently render mankind happy or 
miserable, as they are governed by the one or the 
other. These are the really important points to us 
all; and every thing else dwindles into insignificance 
in comparison with them. 

When the holy Jesus stated the sublime reality of 
the Divine character, he appealed to a fact in creation 
which has always been as conspicuous as it is now, 
and always the same: "Ye have heard that it hath 
been said, Thou shalt love thy friend, and hate thine 
enemy: but I say unto you. Love your enemies: bless 
them that curse you; and pray for them that despite- 
fully use you, and persecute you; that you may he the 
children of your Father who is in heaven; for he maketh 
his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth 
rain on the just, and on the unjust J ^ Such is the im- 
mutable nature of the Sovereign of the Universe : but 
it is not so with man, (nor with any man.) He is 
changeable; " he cometh forth as the flower, and is 
cut down; he fleeth as the shadow, and continueth 
not." The beginning of his career is in ignorance 
and weakness; and the estimates which he forms of 
all things, are modified by his own state or condition, 
19* 



222 MEMOIR OF EDWARD STABLER. 

"When I was a child," said the illustrious Paul, " I 
thought as a child, — I spake as a child, — I understood 
as a child." The same things are alike true of every 
member of the human family. 

When therefore we notice the great discrepancies 
in human character, and sentiment, and conduct, in 
the different stages of existence, and knowledge, and 
virtue — (especially as it regards his apprehensions of 
Divine requisitions) would it be reasonable or just to 
ascribe these mutations to changes or fluctuations in 
the Deity, rather than to the changeable nature of the 
creature? No: I think right reason will compel us to 
say with the apostle, "Le^ God he true, and every man 
a liar.'^ That men, under the influence of ignorance, 
prejudice, or vitiated aflections, may, and do come to 
believe that they ought to do things totally repugnant to 
the Divine will, is abundantly declared in history, and 
manifested to daily observation. The eminent Paul 
declared before Agrippa, that he verily thought he 
ought to do many things against, or contrary to the 
name of Jesus Christ. And Jesus himself testified to 
his disciples, " the time cometh, that whosoever killeth 
you will think that he doeth God service." "And these 
things will they do unto you, because they have not 
known the Father, nor nieJ' And the martyr Stephen 
includes both the ancient Jews and those who were co- 
eval with himself, in one general reprehension: "Ye 
stiff-necked, and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye 
do always resist the Holy Ghost; as your fathers did, 
so do ye." 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 223 

The ancient Jews, being men of like passions with 
other men, were thereby rendered liable to perverted 
views of the Divine nature, — as well as the present 
members of the human family. The same sublime 
and unalterable evidences of immutable goodness, wis- 
dom, and kindness, being, and having been alike con- 
spicuous to all, even in the economy of the outward 
creation; yet we perceive that this fact has not pre- 
vented either ancients or moderns from believing, that 
wars and bloodshed were consistent with the will of 
God. On the contrary, it has been a common occur- 
rence in all ages, for whole nations to ascribe the suc- 
cess of their ferocious and desolating conflicts to the 
favour and assistance of the God of love. Even pro- 
fessors of the religion of Christ, with the history of his 
pure, gentle, benevolent, and peaceable life (when 
manifested in the person of the blessed Jesus) before 
them, — have exhibited the same dispositions, as promi- 
nently as Jews, Mahometans or Pagans. Need it then 
be a thing incredible to any, that ancient as well as 
modern historians (being men) might in like manner 
be mistaken, when they admitted the persuasion that 
the Deity commanded people to destroy their fellow- 
creatures, and that he " fought for them?" The God 
of mercy gave to them who were able to receive it, 
the same evidences of his true character that he does 
to us; — and before Moses especially, he " proclaim- 
ed himself,'^ in the most solemn and impressive man- 
ner, " the Lord, the Lord God,— 7nerciful and gracious, 
long suffering and abundant in goodness and truth,' ^ — 



I 



224 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 

N0W5 can the rational understanding of any man con- 
sistently ascribe to any of these qualities, a disposi- 
tion to command the banishment of all mercy from 
the human heart, and to inflict indiscriminate destruc- 
tion upon men^ women and children? 

In the forepart of his life, the patriarch Abraham 
was also a warrior; and from the testimonies given to 
his integrity, there can be no doubt that he thought he 
had the Divine sanction to slaughter the kings who 
had desolated the land in which his relation Lot resi- 
ded, and taken him captive. But upon his return from 
that expedition, he was met by Melchizedek, '^king of 
peace — priest of the most high God,^' who, actuated by 
"the power of an endless life,'' and not by the "law of 
a carnal commandment," blessed Abraham (not in a 
form of words, but) by instructing his understanding in 
the nature of " the gospel, which is the power of God 
unto salvation,^^ (not destruction) by which " the righ- 
teousness of God is revealed from faith to faith:" and 
from that time, Abraham was a warrior no more. And 
then it was that he occupied the condition which was 
afterward commemorated by the holy Jesus: "Your 
father Abraham rejoiced to see my day, and he saw it 
and was glad J ^ 

And truly the voice of fact proclaims to all ages and 
times, that the victims of those tempers and disposi- 
tions, without which war is impossible, are necessarily 
miserable from the very nature of things; — while the 
subjects of the "wisdom that is from above," and is 
^'-pure, peaceable, gentle, and easy to he entreated, full 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 225 

of mercy, and of good fruits, without 'partiality and 
without hypocrisy," — are thereby filled with "joy and 
gladness, and sorrow and sighing flee away." 
I am affectionately thy friend, 

Edward Stabler. 

Alexandria, 1st mo. 22nd, 1830. 

My beloved Caroline does not need a verbal assu- 
rance to convince her that her letter from B. was tru- 
ly acceptable. The feelings of her own affectionate 
heart, upon similar occasions, w411 furnish a rule of 
decision which cannot deceive her. We heard of thy 
indisposition, my dear C, through several channels, 
and many times wished that it was our privilege to 
visit thy sick couch; but as circumstances were, we 
could do no more than sympathize with thee, and cul- 
tivate the affectionate wish, that thou mightest soon be 
well enough to assure us of thy recovery with thy own 
hand. 

It is surely among our greatest social privileges, that 
we may know and partake of spiritual or mental com- 
munion, in as great reality as we can of personal. 
Our souls are sensitive, as well as our bodies; and 
why may not their perceptions and intercourse be as 
vivid, and unquestionable? Doubtless they are so; 
and all mankind are witnesses of this important fact; 
a fact which establishes the position so clearly to the 
christian, that it is not only true that we may have 
" fellowship one with another, but also with the Father, 
and with his son Jesus Christ. ^^ Nor do I know of any 
impediment to an universal proficiency in the know- 



226 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 

ledge of this, — as great, and as certain as our know- 
ledge of natural truth, — but the interposing fascina- 
tions of "the kingdoms of this world, and the glories of 
them/' These are the first objects that receive the 
attentions of human beings. They minister to the 
necessities and gratification of our terrestrial nature; 
and we become distinctly enamoured of tlie things 
which are severally presented through the mediums 
of the jive animal senses. Love leads to marriage; 
and they ultimately become the jive husbands to which 
the soul is united. 

But, my dear child, He who is "the chiefest among 
ten thousand,'' and lovelier than any of the children 
of this world, — does not fail to present himself, with in- 
finite kindness, to thee, to me, and to all our brethren 
and sisters, — as he did to the woman of Samaria; and 
he declares to us, as he did to her, "all that ever we 
did;'' showing us at the same time, that nothing of a 
terrestrial nature can satisfy the thirst of our immortal 
spirits; and offering us the " living water, that shall 
be in us a well of water springing up unto everlasting 
life." And truly, its precious streams are conspicu- 
ous : — they consist of the principles of righteousness; — 
to drink of them will quench the thirst of the soul, — to 
wash in them will cleanse it from eveiy defilement. 
And every vital power that is sustained by their nur- 
ture, becomes a " tree of life which yieldeth its fruits 
every month," or continually. 

Thy mind has often tested the truth of this represen- 
tation; for " thou hast loved righteousness, and hated 
iniquity." And so far as this has been realized in thy 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 227 

experience, the natural and necessary effect of such a 
state of thy affections has been produced; — and " God, 
even thy God, has anointed thee (thereby) with the oil 
of gladness, above any of thy fellows" whose wander- 
ing attachments had connected them to different ob- 
jects. That thou shouldst also have been tempted in 
the same way, is not extraordinary, nor unprofitable. 
Our blessed Example "was in all points tempted, like 
as we are;" and it is an experience which is common 
to man. It is profitable, because we not only become 
thereby acquainted with our enemies, but with the 
Holy Spirit and Power which saves and redeems us; 
and under whose Divine patronage, "neither death, 
nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor 
things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor 
depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate 
us from the love of God in Christ Jesus." 

Thy little friend C. is in good health, as sprightly 
as a roe upon the mountains, and as intelligent as any 
creature of her age that I have ever known. When 
her years shall admit the possibility of making the im- 
pression, I will endeavour to render thy name as dear 
to her as thou canst wish. 

With sincere affection, I remain thy friend, 

Edward Stabler. 

Alexandria, 1st mo. 27th, 1830. 

We all considered it a favor, my dear young friend, 

to have thy father's acceptable company and religious 

services among us; and my family and myself had 

cause to esteem it an especial gratification, that he 



228 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 

made his home with us. But the estimate which is 
formed of the value or importance of public religious 
opportunities, is so low that, in our cities particularly, 
if they are appointed to be held in hours of business, 
the people will not leave their trades and merchandise 
to attend them. Had thy father's prospects admitted 
of his appointing evening meetings, hundreds would 
probably have attended, where tens only attended the 
day meetings. I suspect the cause of this will be found 
in the force of custom and usage. The greater part 
of religious professors have none but evening meetings, 
except on first-days; — they become of course reluctant 
to conform to any other regulation, especially if it is to 
be done at pecuniary sacrifices. There is, however, 
a consolatory thought which presents itself, in connec- 
tion with this subject : — the Father of mercies is omni- 
present, and seeks those who will not seek him; and 
makes himself known to them that ask not for him. 
And it was not peculiar to the first disciples, to be 
called while they were engaged in their secular em- 
ployments, to follow the "• manifestation of God in the 
flesh;" they were instances only of an universal dis- 
pensation to all the members of the human family. 
Of this we are all made sensible; " when we turn to 
the right hand, or when we turn to the left," from the 
path of innocence and rectitude, by the "still small 
voice" that impresses the mind without noise, but with 
irresistible power; showing not only the wrong way 
into which we have turned — but clearly demonstra- 
ting the right one; — saying, " This is the way, walk 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 229 

My heart is fully prepared to acknowledge the great 
benefit of religious assemblies. But I feel for those to 
whom they are w^earisome; because they have in times 
past been so to me, especially when they were silent. 
The mind, in inexperienced life, is situated as Zac- 
cheus was, in relation to the blessed Jesus. He was 
desirous to see him, '^ but could not for the press, be- 
cause he was little of stature." In like manner, there 
are to us many tall interposing presentations, while our 
spiritual stature is small, that prevent us from perceiv- 
ing the Divine manifestation. And I can recollect 
with certainty, that many times in my youth, when I 
have gone to meeting, I have been anxiously desirous 
to meet with that consolation and instruction of which 
I had heard and read; but, upon inward inspection, I 
could only see a multitude of other things, over which 
I was not as yet capable of seeing. But I have since 
perceived with clearness, that there is a mean of as- 
cending above these, as efficient for us as the syca- 
more tree was for Zaccheus. And the same un- 
changeable mercy and goodness w^hich created the 
tree, affords to us his "good and perfect gifts," of 
which, if we avail ourselves, we shall indubitably 
arise above those obstructions which prevent us from 
discerning our greatest good. They are mentioned 
by the apostle James in beautiful contrast with things 
of an opposite character, in the qualities of the wisdom 
which is from above, that " is first pure, then peace- 
able, gentle, and easy to be entreated,— full of mercy 
and of good fruits — without partiality, and without hy- 
20 



230 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 

pocrisy/' Each of these is calculated to elevate us 
higher and higher, above the qualities of " the wisdom 
which is from beneath;" and these latter qualities con- 
stitute " the press" which hides from our discovery the 
glorious manifestation of Christ within us, — at once the 
hope and the cause of glory. 

I hope bur young friend C. has arrived at her 
pleasant home, with the comfortable experience of in- 
creased convalescence. She is a precious child; and 
I entertain no doubt that it will be well with her, 
whether she remain an inhabitant of time, or become 
a resident of eternity. My best love salutes thy father 
and mother, brothers and sister, J. T. and wife, M. P. 
and family, and the young woman whom I saw with 
thee at J. W's. last fourth month; my affections have 
been attracted to her every time I have seen or thought 
of her. C. P., his wife and sister, are also affection- 
ately remembered. 

I write under the pressure of a severe head-ache 
(rheumatism I suppose) of many days continuance. I 
hope it will furnish some excuse for so poor a letter to 
my young friend, from her very affectionate friend, 

Edward Stabler. 

Alexandria, 1st mo. 31st, 1830. 
What shall I say in reply to the affectionate testi- 
monies of regard, which have been so liberally be- 
stowed by thy father and mother, and thyself, upon 
thy friend, who has nothing of his own that he can 
deem of equal value, to give you in return? That I 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 231 

cordially love you, is indeed true: every feeling of 
my heart affirms it, and prompts me to acknowledge 
with gratitude, the favour of your precious love. 

The legible record of injinniiy and helplessness, 
which I am compelled to peruse daily in the book of 
my own life, makes it impossible for me to believe 
that I occupy such an exalted station as thy partiali- 
ty has assigned me. But my deficiencies are calcu- 
lated to awaken my spirit to vigilance, that I may 
perceive when " the Son of man cometh in the glory 
of his Father, and with the holy angels,'^ — to gather 
the wandering powers and affections of my mind 
''from the four winds,— 3/rom the uttermost parts of 
earth, to the uttermost parts of heaven.^' This is the 
unspeakably gracious purpose for which he comes 
into the world; and all human nature is made a mo- 
ther to him, (and this is the reason why he is called 
the Son of man,) but God alone is his Father. His 
holy angels, or " ministering spirits,^' are the princi- 
ples and powers of righteousness, by which man is 
redeemed and saved from " all that is in the world, — 
the lusts of the flesh, — the lusts of the eye, — and the 
pride of life;'^ — whether they come from the north, 
south, east, or west. And in proportion as our souls 
are thus redeemed or saved, we are brought to the 
" uttermost parts of heaven;'^ which, as the apostle 
says, '-is righteousness, peace, and joy. '^ 

I am fully persuaded that the minds of all the hu- 
man family are so formed by the Father of mercies, 
that they are all disposed to goodness. And every 
person who becomes unrighteous, does so by resisting 



232 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 

the native impulses of the soul, or by permitting them 
to become degraded by a pursuit of objects, the at- 
tainment of which requires the sacrifice of those ex- 
alted feelings which constitute the glory and beati- 
tude of existence. Such is really the condition of all 
those who exchange the principles which keep them 
innocent^ for any gratification that they cannot obtain 
without becoming guilty. For every thing in heaven 
and in earth, acts and works according to its own na- 
ture. We know that fire heats, and water 7noistens, — 
unchangeably and perpetually: and it is equally cer- 
tain that the " work of righteousness is peace, quiet- 
ness, and assurance forever." 

The meaning of the word forever, seems to have 
been strangely misapprehended by many. From the 
way in which they use it, they seem to suppose that 
it applies only to that portion of existence which suc- 
ceeds the death of the body: whereas its true mean- 
ing relates as fully to tiine, as it does to eternity; for 
it implies always, — continually, — unremittedly, &;c. — 
When the psalmist, for instance, declares that " the 
mercy of God endureth forever," we cannot ration- 
ally attach any other meaning to his words, than its 
universality and perpetuity. And the apostle John, 
speaking of the influences of evil upon those who are 
actuated by it, states (in conformity to universal ex- 
perience) that " the smoke of their torment ascendeth 
up forever and ever, and they have no rest day nor 
night, who worship the least and his image.'' 

We are all at school, in our present state of exist- 
ence; — and are learning continually the most impor- 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 233 

tant truths, in becoming acquainted with the invari- 
able nature and effects of principles and powers. Our 
heavenly Father has placed us here for that very pur- 
pose; and has given to each of us a measure of his 
own " good Spirit" to direct us. He makes use of 
the realities of experience, as agents in our education : 
and we cannot possibly be deceived, so long as our 
attention is not permitted to wander from their instruc- 
tion, and the infallible knowledge they impart. Thy 
mind has long been conversant with them, and with 
the living inspiration which has given thee a true 
understanding of their nature and tendencies. Thy 
obedience to the laws of innocence has made a para- 
dise to thee, of the same order of existence which has 
been a wilderness to others, — because they have con- 
sented that the tempers and propensities of wild beasts 
and malignant serpents, should inhabit and rule over 
them. Fear not then, my beloved friend, to surrender 
thyself wholly to the same precious government which 
has hitherto so evidently blessed thee. Let " the an- 
gels of thy Lord keep thee in their hands;" and all 
the confederated powers of evil shall neither harm 
nor hurt thee. 

I wish to be affectionately remembered to thy pa- 
rents, and many more who are ranked among my 
endeared friends. 

Edward Stabler. 

Alexandria, 2nd mo., 1830. 
I am actuated, my dear cousin, as all my fellow- 
creatures are, (and ever have been) with an irrepres- 
80* 



234 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 

sible desire for happiness; I am, therefore, prepared 
to feel with and for thee in thy depressions and per- 
plexities. As the animal part of our being is the first 
that receives our attention, it is not wonderful that we 
should all be more or less attracted by those things 
which seem to promise gratification to our inclina- 
tions; especially, when we perceive the additional al- 
lurement of the example of " kindreds, nations, tongues 
and people," prostrating all their energies and affec- 
tions in devotion to the same golden and glittering 
images. But alas! alas! for poor human nature, if it 
were left at peace in this degraded state of its hea- 
ven-descended powers! The earth would swallow 
them up, and all that pertains to them; and the glorious 
destiny for which they were created, w^ould be defeat- 
ed; and, like the prodigal in the foreign land, every 
sensibility of the soul would be famished, with nothing 
better to sustain it than the husks on which the swine 
are fed. But the mercy and kindness of the God of 
love will not abandon us to such a condition. 

"Man shall be nobly pained! 



The glorious foreigner distress'd, shall sigh 
On thrones^ and thou congratulate the sigh :" 

because it evinces that all the '' kingdoms of this 
world, and the glory of them" (emphatically includ- 
ing its religion) are totally incompetent to bestow that 
peace which the Divine nature manifested in and gov- 
erning the human J can alone produce. This celestial 
visitant, therefore, comes not to send peace upon such 
an earthly condition, but a sword. And thus we see 
it, and so we feel it, whenever (like the Syrian king) 



LETTER OP EDWARD STABLER. 235 

we build a Babylon by the might of our power, for 
the house of our kingdom, and for the glory of our 
majesty. Then this blessed " Watcher" who con- 
tinually regards our situation, and this " Holy One" 
who seeks to save and to bless us, — commands " to 
hew down the tree which is rooted in the earth, and 
to cat off its branches, shake off its leaves, and scat- 
ter its fruit," in order to wean our affections from the 
light imaginations, represented by the birds of the 
air, and from sensual appetites and tempers, exempli- 
fied by the beasts of the earth. 

I cannot doubt the goodness and wisdom of the Al- 
mighty; I must therefore believe that the various 
states of experience which are witnessed by the chil- 
dren of men, are consistent with both; and in the im- 
portant particulars of the terrestrial and spiritual rela- 
tions o£ men, all the human family must inevitably 
reap according to their sowing. If they sow to the 
flesh, which is a native of this world, they reap 
carnal things ; and if they sow spiritual things, they 
necessarily reap the same. 

The great and unchangeable difference between 
the religion of Christ, and all others, (though falsely 
called by its name) consists in the entire spirituality 
of the former. Its object is God, who is a Spirit; its 
subject is the human soul, which is a spirit. The 
sacrifices and offerings which it enjoins, are spiritual; 
and the administrator of it — who is Christ the Lord — 
is God's spiritual offspring, '' who only hath immor- 
tality, dwelling in light which no (natural) man can 
approach unto, whom no man hath seen nor can 



236 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 

see." (1 Tim. vi. 16.) And this incapacity of seeing 
him, is founded upon the immutable fact, that " the 
natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of 
God; they are foolishness unto him; neither can he 
know them, because they are spiritually discerned." 
While people are taught to believe, — and are dis- 
posed to do it, — that '^ the minister of the true taber- . 
nacle which God hath pitched and not man," was an 
outward visible person, instead of the Divine Being 
who was manifested in it, — and that the religion he 
came to introduce consisted in creeds, and doctrines, 
and carnal observances, — and that it is necessary to 
contend for these, by employing the weapons and in- 
' dulging the feelings of enmity and strife towards our 
fellow-creatures, — there can be no end to " wars, and 
rumours of wars, to earthquakes and famines, — the 
sea and the waves roaring, and men's hearts failing 
them for fear." But as these awful phenomena are 
the necessary fruits of an outward and terrestrial reli- 
gion, they '' must first take place," that they may 
practically demonstrate their total inefficacy to pro- 
duce '^ peace on earth, and good will to men;" — and 
that the cause which produces such effects, is there- 
fore any thing else, rather than the gospel. As the 
soul becomes convinced of this, and is prepared to 
withdraw its homage from, and abandon its depend- 
ance upon outward things, it is then qualified to wel- 
come with hosannas, the preserfce of the spiritual " son 
of God," — becoming the " son of man" by being born 
in man, and possessing power to overcome the ene- 
mies of man, — which are the " spiritual wickednesses 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 237 

in high places" spoken of by the apostle, — to heal all 
his diseases, and to raise him from death to life. 

A letter from C. H. informs us that the beloved and 
excellent Elias Hicks passed from his habitation in the 
earthly tabernacle, on the 28th inst. He is gathered, 
I have no doubt, like fruit fully ripe, to an eternal state 
of bliss, where the wicked cease from troubling and the 
weary are at rest. His life has exhibited a lovely ex- 
ample of the blessed effects of obedience to pure prin- 
ciples. How wonderfully he has been preserved in 
meekness and gentleness, amid all the tempests which 
have assailed him! The foundation upon which he 
built, was the immovable rock of Divine Truth; and 
therefore no winds of doctrine, no floods of persecution, 
could either shake or overwhelm him. 

My best love salutes thee and all the members of the 
family. 

Edward Stabler. 

Alexandria, 3rd mo. 6th, 1830. 

Thy two letters, my dear C, are at hand; the letter 
to my Anna, giving an account of the peaceful close 
of the well-spent life of thy beloved grandfather, af- 
forded us the first information of that important event. 

I truly and most affectionately condole with his be- 
reaved relatives, on account of their loss of so great a 
treasure as he was to them. But for him, I cannot 
mourn; because I am assured that the imperishable 
crowns of '^ glory — immortality — and eternal life," are 
his unspeakable possession. He has " fought the good 
fight" against the principles and powers of evil. He 



238 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 

" has finished his course" of assigned duties. He has 
" kept the faith" that " worketh by love to the purify- 
ing of the heart." And what naore could our fondest 
wishes desire for him? As it regards his fellow-crea- 
tures, — more especially those who had the advantage 
of a personal acquaintance and intimacy with him, — 
his conduct and conversation, — his innocent life and 
faultless manners, — have spoken, even more power- 
fully than his tongue, or his pen; — demonstrating the 
momentous and all-interesting truth, that it is the Di- 
vine Life, (and not words and theories about it,) that 
impresses the " image of God" upon the human soul : 
and that this image does not consist in shape, form, 
or colour, but in " graciousness, — mercy, — long suffer- 
ing, — and the aboundings of goodness and truth." His 
adversaries, who were offended at him because of the 
spirituality of his views and teachings, — have endea- 
voured "to sift him as wheat." "They shot at him, 
and hated him." But their arrows were repelled by 
the armour of righteousness, with which he was de- 
fended. And the closer he was proven, the more the 
excellency of that living power which was his support 
and dependance, became apparent. So that the fire 
of their anger could neither hurt him, nor impress 
even its smell upon the garments of innocence, with 
which he was clothed. 

The impartial and unchangeable kindness of the 
Father of mercies, my young friend, has given to all 
of us access to the same universal Fountain, the 
streams of which made him so pure. For, " the Spirit 
and the bride say, Come; and let him that is athirst, 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 239 

Come; — and let him that heareth, say, Come; yea, all 
that will, may come, and drink of the water of life 
freely." I have not a shadow of doubt, that the invi- 
tation is thus universal. It is uttered, not only in the 
voice of words, but more veritably and infallibly in 
the language of facts and feelings, — powers and im- 
pressions, — which are easily and universally under- 
stood. And if the children of men would be persuaded 
to hearken to the •'still (noiseless) voice" which speaks 
through these, they would not remain so greatly mis- 
taken and deluded, as too many of them are. 

How often hast thou known and felt for thyself, 
and in thyself, the sweet influences of this ineffable 
Teacher ! And thy innocent spirit can bear testimony 
that he is " holy, harmless, undefiled, and separated 
from all sin;" and that all his teachings are to induce 
those that will follow him, '' to deny ungodliness and 
worldly lusts, — and to live soberly, righteously, and 
godly in this present world:" — not to abridge their en- 
joyments, nor to narrow the range of their felicity, but 
to secure to their possession " a far more exceeding 
and eternal weight of glory." For, all those who have 
obeyed his authority, in all ages, have found them- 
selves hedged round by safety; and though '' thousands 
might fall at their side, and ten thousands at their 
right hand," — yet the agents of destruction could not 
come nigh them. 

Witness the pitiable victims of pride, — and hatred, — 
and fierceness, — and avarice, — and cruelty, — and in- 
justice, — and intemperance, &c. These cannot be, 
nor never were successfully resisted, by the feeble 



240 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 

powers of words and doctrines, — creeds and systems! 
No: our heavenly Father knoweth that we have need 
of more efficient help than these can afford : and his 
everlasting kindness has accordingly " given his an- 
gels charge over us, to keep us in all our ways." — 
And these angels are the living impulses of his own 
Divine nature, manifested and working in us to pro- 
duce humility, — love, — gentleness, — liberality, — mer- 
cy, — justice, — temperance, &c., which " bear us up 
in their hands,"' and infallibly save us from dashing 
against the things which our eyes have seen to have 
been the very ministers and artificers of destruction to 
the wicked. 

Had I been near enough to you, all my affections 
would have urged me to have been present upon the 
solemn occasion of my beloved friend's interment. 
But I doubt not, that many of you were sensible of the 
presence of him who is greater than Solomon or Jonas; 
and that you were comforted in the experience of that 
everlasting unity which subsists in spirit, and is full 
of peace. 

Thou wilt be pleased to hear that all thy friends 
here are in usual health. Thy little bright-eyed 
sprightly name-sake improves rapidly. Making what 
I suppose to be a sufficient abatement for parental 
partiality, she seems to me one of the most intelligent 
little creatures I ever saw. At two years old, she 
speaks the English language almost as plainly as any 
of us; and I am often surprised at her power of avail- 
ing herself (apparently without effort) of proper terms 
to express even new ideas. My love to thy parents, 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 241 

and to all my friends, in which I am cordially joined 
by every member of my family. 

Would there be any impropriety in requesting thee 
to send me a copy of thy dear grandfather's last letter? 
If it will not be improper, thou wilt, by sending it, add 
one more favour to the many I have already received 
at thy hands, and by no means diminish the affection- 
ate attachment with which I am most sincerely thy 
friend, 

Edward Stabler. 

Alexandria, 3rd mo. 15th, 1830. 

My dear friend's letter of was duly received, 

and produced the usual effects of his acceptable com- 
munications. It excited and refreshed, in my mind, 
that class of mental sensations which are always asso- 
ciated with comfort and enjoyment. Were I to follow 
my inclinations, I should assuredly be incited to make 
the effort to join you at your approaching Yearly Meet- 
ing; for I have never felt a greater satisfaction than 
when I have been commissioned and qualified to open 
to my fellow creatures, the exalted and interesting 
truths of the gospel of Christ: but I know that the 
" excellency of the power" by which alone this can be 
done, " is of God, and not of us." It would therefore 
be great temerity in me to construe my inclinations 
into a commission^ or to depend upon them to furnish 
the proper qualification for this momentous engage- 
ment. 

I should rejoice if I had the pen of a ready writer, 
that I might embody in a more permanent form than 
21 



242 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 

by speech, the important views which through Divine 
mercy may be, as well as have been, displayed to my 
understanding. I know it to be the privilege of all in- 
telligent creatures, to have access to the God of love 
and of power; I also know that there is no other way, 
truth, or life, by which this access is attainable, but 
the one living manifestation, or birth of this "wisdom 
and power of God'^ which is called "Christ.^' By this 
manifestation, all the fruits, or effects of the Spirit, — 
love, joy, peace, goodness, &c., are produced in the 
soul of man; and it is a self-evident fact, that without 
the agency of these to produce, in endless succession, 
their own proper effects, the soul must remain a stran- 
ger " to the covenant of promise, and without God in 
the world;" and, of course, an inhabitant of that wil- 
derness condition, in which it is a perpetual prey to 
the devouring and destructive tempers and propensi- 
ties, which are natural to the wolves and leopards, and 
lions and serpents of the wildernesses and deserts of the 
outward world. 

Again, if the soul fall from its native innocence and 
privileges, and become the vassal of these destructive 
and tormenting influences, the same celestial manifes- 
tation of God in the flesh, of which the soul is a tenant 
at will, is its only possible Redeemer and Liberator; 
because it is from him only that every good and every 
perfect gift comes. It is he who can "change the wil- 
derness into Eden, and the desert into a garden of the 
Lord," by supplanting the doleful, ravenous, and malig- 
nant tempers of the mind, — inspiring, — inbreathing 
his own Divine nature into it; which thereby becomes 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 243 

impressed with his image of holiness and love, the ope- 
rations of which, produce "joy and gladness, thanks- 
giving and tlje voice of melody," as inevitably as their 
antagonists, wickedness and hatred, bring forth "weep- 
ing and wailing, and gnashing of teeth." 

These are some of my views upon the origin, nature, 
and effects of the principles and powers which consti- 
tute the realities of the Christian religion; and they 
appear to me to render all honour and praise to Christ, 
the only Potentate, King of kings, and Lord of lords. 
I remain thy friend, 

Edward Stabler. 

Alexandria, 3rd mo. 22nd, 1830. 
Do not suppose, my young friend, that I have for- 
gotten thee, because I have not yet replied to thy kind 
letter of 1st month 27th. My friendship for thee is not 
founded upon fugitive circumstances, but is built, I 
hope, upon the basis of religious fellowship, which 
forms the sweetest and most durable ground of social 
communion. I am fully aware that there is (as thou 
sayest) a great diversity of talents; but it is at the 
same time equally true and encouraging, that in every 
instance, he or she who is faithful over the few things 
which are first committed to their trust, will infallibly 
" be made rulers over more;" — until they shall come 
to abound in " the good and perfect gifts" which are 
benevolently and liberally bestowed by the Father of 
mercies. I think there is good reason to believe, that 
men do not so generally mistake, by forming wrong 
estimates of the number of talents bestowed upon them, 



244 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 

as they do in respect to what constitutes the talents ajy- 
pertaining to eternal life. They either do not use them 
for the purposes intended by the gracious Giver of 
them, — or they substitute a dependance upon other 
things which never did, nor never can produce the de- 
sired effects. This latter mistake has been the parent 
of all superstition; and time itself would fail to enume- 
rate the sighs, and tears, and miseries, which have 
sprung from its desolating dominion. 

" The truth as it is in Jesus," is simple, but perfect. 
It consists in the law of God, written in living charac- 
ters, — ^not upon paper, or tables of stone, but upon the 
heart. And in looking to other things, men become 
bewildered in a cloud of imaginations and uncertain- 
ties, which keep them from the truth, and leave them 
without help in their adversities. It has been in this 
way that a deplorable, instead of a henejicial use, has 
been made of the scriptures of Truth, which contain a 
record of the experience and counsel of saints and 
prophets. Instead of adverting to the principles and 
powers, by which their heavenly Father wrought in 
them " both to will and to do of his good pleasure," 
imbuing them with wisdom and holiness, — the children 
of superstition have made images in their own minds, 
(as the ancients did of gold and silver, wood and stone) 
agreeably to their several fancies; and have not only 
worshipped them, but used all their energies to per- 
suade all people to bow down to them, and worship 
them also. 

And yet the scriptures are not to blame for these 
perversions: their directions are clear and simple. 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 245 

Witness the preaching of the blessed Jesus : " Blessed 
are the pure in heart; blessed are the meek; blessed 
are the peace-makers; blessed are the hungerers and 
thirsters after righteousness,' ' &c. The apostle. Peter 
is also exceedingly plain : "Add to your faith, virtue; — 
and to virtue, knowledge, — temperance, — patience, — 
godliness, — brotherly kindness, and charity/' Surely 
the intelligent human family know what these things 
are, as well as they know what animals and vegeta- 
bles are. There is no mystery about them; nor are 
their natural effects either concealed or unsearchable; 
but all may know them, from the least to the greatest. 
If they are cultivated or occupied, they will prove 
themselves to be Divine gifts and talents, capable of an 
everlasting increase; and they will enrich their pos- 
sessors with the treasures of purity, — meekness, — mer- 
cy, — faithfulness, — virtue, — knowledge, — temperance, — 
patience, <^c.; verifying the further declaration of the 
apostle : " If these things be in you, and abound, they 
make you, that you shall be neither barren nor un- 
fruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." 

Now, my dear M., what greater blessing can any 
sensitive soul desire, than to " have an entrance thus 
abundantly ministered to it, into the kingdom of our 
Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ?'' And the apostle 
ascribes this blessed consummation, not to the notions 
of men about these things, but to the influence or ope^ 
ration of the things themselves. (See 2nd Peter, chap- 
ter 1st.) 

Though the remoteness of our habitations prevents 
us from enjoying frequent personal intercourse, yet it 
81* 



246 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 

is a precious privilege that our minds are not equally 
shackled. We can still commune in spirit; and by 
cultivating the precious gifts of our heavenly Father, 
we may approach nearer and nearer to Him, 

The many dear friends that I should probably meet 
with, were I to go to your approaching Yearly Meet- 
ing, furnishes a strong impulse to my natural affec- 
tions to do so. But it would be temerity in me to pro- 
ceed upon that ground alone, with the expectation that 
I should thereby be qualified for religious usefulness. 
I am therefore constrained to relinquish the prospect. 
It would, however, give me pleasure to hear, through 
the medium of thy pen, how you fare. My affectionate 
remembrance is presented to thy father and mother; — 
and to all my friends in your neighbourhood who may 
inquire after me, please to present the kind salutation 
of thy affectionate friend, 

Edward Stabler. 

Alexandria, 4th mo. 17th, 1830. 
Many thanks for thy kindness in sending me so 
soon, the last letter of thy venerated ancestor. It was 
just such an one as I could have desired, if I had been 
possessed of the privilege of choosing. I have read it 
to a number of persons, Friends and others, and have 
met with no dissentient, — all approve of it. I see by 
the papers that it has been printed; and I intend to 
procure a number of the printed copies for distribution, 
with a hope that the earnest recommendation which it 
contains, of the spiritual medium by which spiritual 
discernment is alone practicable, or spiritual influences 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 247 

produced, — may have the effect to turn the attention 
of those who peruse it, from the more than worthless 
systems of human theology, to '' the light of the know- 
ledge of the glory of God, in the face (or living pre- 
sence) of Jesus Christ," who is " the true Light that 
lighteth every man that cometh into the world." 

It is much to be lamented, that the human mind 
should be generally so shackled by erroneous impres- 
sions, as to be incapable of admitting the simple fact, 
so plainly stated in the scriptures and confirmed by 
experience, that '^ Christ, the wisdom of God, and the 
power of God," is omnipresent and eternal; — that he 
is a pure and holy Spirit, — for the reception of whom, 
all human nature is a prepared body; that the religion 
of which he is the author, is entirely a spiritual thing, 
consisting in the operations of the Divine life upon the 
human soul, to fill it with perpetually increasing mea- 
sures of " righteousness, goodness, and truth;" — and 
divesting it thereby of every temper and propensity 
which can hurt or destroy. In this way it is, that the 
kingdoms of this world can become the kingdoms of 
God, and of his Christ. And by these holy influences 
and operations, he demonstates that '- he dwells with 
us, and is in us." 

But, alas! how many millions of money are expend- 
ed in the world, to persuade the children of men to 
place their confidence in systems, which are the re- 
verse of these heavenly powers; and are made up of 
the weakness and folly of men ! For truly, it cannot 
be justly deemed any thing better than weakness and 
folly, to teach that any thing which men can say or dOy 



248 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 

can in any degree answer as a substitute for the power 
and wisdom of God, — or contrive a better way to make 
men good and happy, than by their operations. The 
works that human systems have always done, have 
been to distract the attention by a multiplicity of doc- 
trines and opinions; so that the living realities which 
are continually springing up in the mind, and are the 
real agents by which good and evil are generated 
there, — are neglected and overlooked: thus fulfilling 
the declaration, ^' They made me the keeper of the 
vineyards, but mine own vineyard I have not kept." 

In this state, a multitude of causeless fears and de- 
lusive hopes are alternately excited, — which place the 
mind in a condition resembling a ship on a stormy 
ocean, always agitated, and successively elevated or 
depressed, according to the rise and fall of the waves 
upon which it floats. What a precious and merciful 
privilege it is, my dear friend, that in the midst of 
this tumult and confusion, w^e all have access to that 
blessed Being who created the islands, and has the 
same power to make us like them, firm and immov- 
able, though surrounded on all sides by fluctuation! 
To this state, the admonition is addressed, — " Keep 
silence before me, O islands, and let the people renew 
their strength." 

I rejoice in the persuasion, that thy mind has long 
been familiar with the pure influences of the Holy 
Spirit, which alone performs the miracles of healing 
and preservation. And if it be asked. Who is it that 
^^hath wrought and done this" for thee, as well as in 
all "generations from the beginning?" — the answer 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 240 

must be given in the language of the prophet, '' I the 
Lord, the first, and with the last, I am he." And it 
is of the greatest consequence, that thou shouldst know- 
that it is Tie alone whose light has shone upon thee, 
and enabled thee to discriminate clearly between the 
nature of those principles, which, being diffusions of 
the Divine nature, are " the sons of God" — and that 
class of adverse powers, which constitute the being 
and nature of satan. I do not hesitate for one mo- 
ment to believe, that like Job thou hast seen these 
" sons of God" presenting themselves before the Lord, 
in thy own mind, and " satan presenting himself" with 
them. Possibly thou mayst not have noticed the iden- 
tity of thy experience with Job's; but that does not 
alter the similarity of the fact. For, if it be true that 
every thing which is "pure, peaceable, gentle, and 
easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, 
without partiality, and without hypocrisy," — are of 
" the wisdom that cometh from above;" — then it must 
also be true, that every thing which is " earthly, sen- 
sual, and devilish," must be from "the wisdom that is 
from beneath." I suppose that thou hast never had 
a doubt as to the origin and tendencies of either class, 
nor as to the reality of their presentation before the 
view of thy mind. I am, therefore, fully warranted 
in asserting, and thou in believing, that it is thy hea- 
venly Father who hath of the former " built a hedge 
about thee, and about all that is truly thine;" — by 
which the latter has been fenced off from thee, — and 
a host of destructive enemies (the least of which would 



250 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 

have changed thy Eden into a wilderness) have been 
prevented from hurting or destroying thee. 

I feel a strong attraction towards your next Yearly 
Meeting; — and after its close, to some of the northern 
and western parts of your State; and if nothing should 
occur to obscure my present prospect, I shall probably 
ask permission of our ensuing monthly and Quarterly 
meetings, for the purpose. 

All my dear family join me in an affectionate salu- 
tation to thy beloved father and mother, and as usual 
a full tide of love flows to thyself from every one of 
us, including thy friend, 

Edward Stabler. 

Alexandria, 5th mo. 10th, 1830. 
It gave me great pleasure to hear, through our 
friend Willet Hicks, and through various other chan- 
nels, that your late Yearly Meeting was favoured 
with such evidence of Divine regard, as rendered it 
a season of much refreshment and instruction. My 
thoughts and affections were often with you, — attract- 
ed there by the nature of the occasion, and by the 
sincere attachment which binds my heart to many of 
my Philadelphia friends. I have also heard, that the 
other Yearly Meeting has finished its creed. It is to 
be lamented, in relation to it, that there should exist 
in the view of its leading members, a necessity for 
any such thing; — when all mankind have access to 
the faith mentioned by the apostles, as " the gift of 
God;" — '^ which worketh by love, to the purifying 



I 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 251 

of the heart;" '"'which is our victory over the world;'^ 
and " showeth itself by its works." 

What a strange infatuation it is for men to suppose, 
that words of any kind, whether written, printed, or 
uttered, can constitute the. faith which performs these 
important works! And yet the wise and learned of 
this world, seem to have been disposed always to 
blunder upon the absurdity; notwithstanding the con- 
fluent testimony of facts, scripture, ajid reason, to the 
contrary. Witness the multitude of contradictory 
statements with which the world is, and has been 
deluged, under the name of faith; — and of which the 
wise, and noble, and learned, (so called) have always 
been the authors and promoters. But all who have 
come to the possession of that faith which is the gift 
of God, and not the manufacture of man, — have found 
it to be a living reality, — possessing and exercising 
the powers ascribed to it by the holy men of old. It 
never made a sectarist, nor ever prescribed a creed. 
But its blessed office has always been, to ma^ke all 
the children of men righteous, and happy; — to gather 
them all into the same fold, inclosed by the same pro- 
tecting virtues, and nourished by the same heavenly 
food. 

As the principle of evil is truly said to be " going 
about as a roaring lion, seeking whom it may de- 
vour," — and all the world has borne witness to the 
reality of its existence, and suffered by its destructive 
influences, — and known the nature of the powers by 
which it works : so, it is alike'' self-evident to all, that 
the living energy of Divine goodness is also perpetu- 



252 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 

ally present with the children of men, — offering its 
precious gifts to their acceptance. And as they be- 
come willing to accept the donations, they find to their 
unspeakable joy, that he gives them powers, (powers 
that are as knowable as the powers of evil,) that 
change the " wilderness into a fruitful field, and make 
the desert rejoice and blossom as the rose." But no 
written creed, — no outward profession, ever had the 
smallest power in this important concern : and there- 
fore, the homage of the soul devoted to things of that 
kind, is as entirely idolatry^ and they are as really 
idols^ as the golden calves which Aaron made, or the 
Dagon of the Philistines. 

Surely, I need not tell thee that my motive for men- 
tioning these truths, is to invite thy attention to their 
presence and development in thy own mind; for there, 
(as it regards thy own present and continual happi- 
ness,) the kingdom of God must be found; — and there, 
the heaven that results from his dominion, must be 
experienced; — as it is said in scripture, — " Heaven 
is my throne." His life-giving presence is all-suf- 
ficient to rule, support, and nourish thy spirit, until 
its every faculty and every power shall be purified 
and exalted; and it can make thee a daughter indeed 
of the King of kings, "all glorious within." 

My monthly meeting has given me a minute of its 
concurrence with my prospect of religious duty, to 
attend the next Yearly Meeting in New York, and 
some other parts of that State, and of the intervening 
States, on my return. 



MEMOIR OF EDWARD STABLER. 253 

With the remembrance of love to all the members 
of your family, I am thy affectionate friend, 

Edward Stabler. 

Divine love now shone conspicuously in the charac- 
ter of our beloved relative. In a state of child-like 
simplicity and meekness, his mind was indued with a 
deep and clear perception of Divine truths. Under 
the dominion of these blessed principles, which kept 
him actively employed in promoting the good of his 
fellow-beings, he felt commissioned, in the 4th month 
of the year 1830, as he states in the foregoing letter, 
to resume his travels in the ministry. The following 
minute of concurrence, the last he ever applied for, 
was obtained from the monthly meeting on this occa- 
sion, viz: 

" Our beloved friend Edward Stabler, an approved 
minister, opened in both meetings, [the meetings of 
men and women for transacting their respective busi- 
ness, are alluded to, which are separately held,] a 
prospect he had, to visit in the love of the gospel the 
next Yearly Meeting of Friends to be held in New 
York, and such of the northern and other parts of 
that State, (and the intervening States upon his re- 
turn,) as the sense of religious duty may require; 
which claiming the serious consideration of Friends, 
full unity was expressed with his prospect, and he 
was encouraged to proceed,^' &;c. 

His progress in this journey, and his tender feel- 
ings towards his family, are interestingly described 
in the following letters addressed to them. 
22 



254 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 

Skaneateles, New York State, 6th mo. S9th, 1830, 
I have been calculating the distance which now 
separates me from my precious wife, and my equally 
precious children, — and find it to be upwards of six 
hundred miles. What a distance from all that is 
most dear to me on earth ! But I am favoured with 
uninterrupted health, and (what is a still greater fa- 
vour) with a mind rendered peaceful, by an abiding 
sense that I am in the way of my duty; and this sense 
reconciles me to the great privation of all my delight- 
ful home enjoyments. *■ t¥ ^ j hope 
this day to hear from thee at Auburn, to which place 
I requested Friends at Utica to forward my letters; 
and if I receive none there, I shall leave word to have 
them sent still farther on. I do not expect to go much 
farther west, but shall probably in a few days turn to 
the eastward and southward, to attend some of the 
meetings in progression between this place and New 
York city, on a returning course. 

This is a wonderful country; beautified with lakes, 
canals, villages, and highly improved farms. We 
travel by the canal boats with perfect safety, night 
and day, with good living and good company, without 
fatigue, and at very moderate expense. J. H. is now 
my companion; and I am writing at L. P. M.'s on 
the beautiful margin of the beautiful Skaneateles 
lake. If I could write with facility, I would attempt 
to delineate its picture for the amusement and gratifi- 
cation of my dear family; but my crippled hand will 
deprive you all of the pleasure of a description, until 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 255 

I may be favoured to reach home, when my tongue 
will much easier perform the office. 

Our friends continue to receive us every where 
with much kindness and hospitality; and when we 
have meetings, the people of other societies who at- 
tend, seem to be impressed with great interest; and 
solemnity has in every instance been the sweet cover- 
ing of the assemblies. 

I long to hear of thy welfare, and of the health of 
my other dear ones; but I hope I have surrendered 
you up to the keeping of Him who loves you better 
than a poor creature like me can love you; and he 
has unlimited power and goodness, both to devise and 
accomplish the best for you: to him therefore I must 
leave you, together with my own soul, which is scarce- 
ly more precious to the affections of my heart than 
you are. I dwell upon the idea of each dear one, 
with distinct and excited love. How are you all ? 
Oh! how the glowing impulses of inexpressible love 
flow towards you ! Will some of you please to write 
to your poor wanderer, soon after you receive this? 
As I said, I expect to go to Auburn to-day, where 
there is a meeting appointed for this evening; — to 
Scipio the next day; and so on to different places, 
seven or eight days more in these parts, and then 
commence the returning route. There are several 
large settlements and towns, to which I shall proba- 
bly be directed on my return to New York, that may 
take up ten days or two weeks after my leaving this 
section of the State; but thou mayst rest assured, that 



256 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 

the influence which draws me towards thee and my 
dear children, will not permit me to spend my time 
in idleness, any more than will the obligation of reli- 
gious duty. 

I find, as usual, a large and interesting field of ser- 
vice in the openings of Divine Truth, as to the reality 
and presence in every heart, of the ^' tree of life," 
("Christ within the hope of glory,") which produces 
there ''the fruits of the Spirit," in all the powers of 
"righteousness, goodness, and truth." These pre- 
cious things, explained in the way of conversation, 
where restraint is thrown off, and each one left at 
liberty to state objections, if they have any, or to ask 
for further explanations where there is not perfect 
clearness, — constitute in my view, a portion of exer- 
cise not less profitable than public meetings: and I 
find as great a reward for attending to the openings 
of duty in this respect, as in the other. 

My love salutes you all, including friends and re- 
lations as if named; and I am as ever most affection- 
ately your own 

Edward Stabler. 

Utica, 7th mo. 6th, 1830. 
Your joint and most acceptable letter of the 23rd 
ultimo, I received at Scipio, about eight miles to the 
west of this place. There are many Friends in that 
district of country, and I attended all their meetings; 
and with great cheerfulness and good-will, they ex- 
tended at my request information among their neigh- 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 257 

hours, who flocked in large numhers to the meetings; 
and I judge, from their seriousness and intense atten- 
tion, that they were well satisfied; and such was the 
report also of Friends who heard them express their 
approbation. 

I wrote to thee on the 29th ult. from the banks of 
the beautiful Skaneateles lake. That letter I hope is 
at hand before this time, and that you have thereby 
been relieved from anxiety about me, as my health 
then was and still is very good. 

Thai^e are a few Friends in this large village, and I 
expect to have a meeting with them this evening. It 
is expected that only a few of the inhabitants will at- 
tend, as Friends tell me that they never have been 
able to prevail upon many of them to come to meetings. 
Money seems tf> be too much the object of their devo- 
tion; and the dictates of the priests, too much their re- 
ligion. But I nevertheless hope, that in many minds 
there is something better than all this, (like the pro- 
phets in the caves, or Jesus in the sepulchre,) which 
will arise and become known, where it is now buried 
under earthly feelings and interests, or entombed in 
sepulchres of stone, — and will yet perform miracles of 
deliverance and instruction. 

I expect to go in the stage to-morrow to the town 
called Bridgewater, situated to the south of this, where 
there is a meeting of Friends; and if they should turn 
out to be such living and affectionate ones as those I 
left at Skaneateles and Scipio, I shall feel at home 
among them. * ^ * The country about Scipio, 
22* 



258 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 

from which I have just returned, take it altogether^ 
surpasses in fertility any country I ever saw; and the 
beautiful lakes render it lovely beyond description. 
The land along Cayuga lake, which is four miles wide 
and forty miles long, is fruitful to the very edge of the 
water, (which is as transparent as the water of a spring) 
and at every three or four miles there is a village. As 
far as the eye can see, the intervals are occupied with 
finely cultivated farms, luxuriant in wheat, corn, &c.; 
and then the ease and cheapness v/ith which they send 
their produce to market, by the lakes and canals, ren- 
der it an easy matter, not only to live in abundance,, 
but to increase in wealth, until the inhabitants become^ 
very generally, independent in their circumstances. 
Should the Chesapeake and Ohio canal become as 
beneficial as these are, our town must again rise in 
wealth and distinction. 

Do these remarks make thee suspicious that I am 
tempted to become earthly-minded in advancing life? 
I hope it is not the case; but. when I look at our 
numerous flock of beloved children, it is pleasant to 
see the probability of our property becoming more 
valuable, and the means to educate and enable them 
to live comfortably in the world, proportionately in- 
creased. 

It is very pleasant to hear that my dear sister De- 
borah is so much improved. Send my love to her 
when you next write to our relations in Sandy Spring 
neighbourhood. * * * Tell the dear little boys, 
Henry and Richard, that I am delighted to hear they 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 259 

are so good; that I do love them, and that they may 
make jne love them more and more, by increasing in 
goodness. 

If you have an opportunity to send to M. J., give 
my affectionate remembrance to her, and say that her 
salutation, " like a brook by the way,^' was truly re- 
freshing. A. J's. remembrance and kind message 
were truly acceptable. It has frequently happened 
when I have been from home, that W. L. has saluted 
me with a message of brotherly love. I wish William 
or Thomas to give my love to him. What is the rea- 
son that my dear Thomas never sends an account of 
himself to cheer his absent father? I hope he keeps 
in health; for he is embraced in common with all the 
rest, by the ardent and unabated love of your 

Edward Stabler. 

Philadelphia, 8th mo. 3rd, 1830. 

I think, my dear Mary, that thou and my precious 
children can scarcely form an adequate idea of the 
great comfort and relief that are afforded to my (con- 
stitutionally) anxious mind, by the reception of your 
letters; especially when like the last they convey the 
delightful intelligence of your general welfare. 

After I wrote to you last, I went with my kind friend 
Willet Hicks to Westbury Quarterly meeting, which 
held three days. I made my home with our friends at 
Jericho; — found and left them all well, and received 
from them all, the most affectionate attentions. On 
seventh-day I returned to New York, and attended 
their two meetings on first-day; in which I had open 



260 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 

and solemn service to crowded audiences. On leav- 
ing New York, the country air revived me from the 
debilitating effect of its oven-like heat at this time of 
the year, and an affectionate reception by my friends 
in Trenton and in Bucks county, added its salutary 
influence. 

I went on to appoint and attend meetings all last 
week, until I arrived at our dear friend John Comly's. 
At Byberry where he lives, I attended an appointed 
meeting; and on first-day morning, he and several of 
his family came with me to Philadelphia. I went to 
our brother's, and was very kindly received; but sister 
A. had previously made an arrangement to go with 
their children to the Springs, near Wilmington; and as 
it was important to her health, I insisted upon her not 
staying at home on account of my arrival. To-day, 
the Philadelphia Quarterly meeting will be held; and 
to-morrow I expect to go to Abington Quarterly meet- 
ing. On sixth-day, I have a prospect of attending an 
appointed meeting at Haddonfield in Jersey; and as 
far as I now see, I shall then be permitted to turn my 
face towards home — dear home — and its still dearer 
inmates, where I hope, by actions, and words, and 
every mode of endearment, to convince them how very 
precious they are, individually and collectively, to the 
heart of their own 

Edward Stabler. 

During the five months, which intervened between 
his return from this journey and the time of his death, 
the subject of this narrative was frequently engaged in 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 261 

communicating to his absent friends the views he was 
favoured with, and his strong desires for their welfare. 
The ensuing letter, having some reference to his late 
travels, was sent to one of his correspondents who was 
afflicted with severe rheumatic affections. 

Alexandria, 8th mo. 21st, 1830. 

It appears to be one of the terms of our present pro- 
batory state, that we must pay an especial price for 
all our exclusive attachments. Since the morning I 
parted with thee, at the door of our beloved and- hos- 
pitable friends at Jericho, my mind has often been 
taxed with numerous feelings of regret, that our habi- 
tations were so remote from each other, as to admit so 
seldom of personal intercourse. My attachment has 
increased with our acquaintance, and I have rejoiced 
to perceive in thy gentle spirit, a vivid susceptibility 
to those impressions,- — and an intelligence to estimate 
properly those realities which are more important than 
all others. 

The material world, with its evanescent glories and 
enjoyments, too much absorbs the attention of the mul- 
titude. Its interests and its pleasures are woven into 
a vail, which hides from their view the vision of spirit- 
ual things; — so that some even doubt their certainty; — 
and others who admit their existence, remain in the 
" outward court,'^ and endeavour to be contented with 
guessing wliat and ivliere they are. This state of things 
is surely deplorable for them who indulge it, — because 
it estranges them from the noblest order of enjoyments, 
and causes them to grope in darkness, and in a foreign 



262 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 

landj for those gratifications, without which no immor- 
tal spirit can ever be satisfied. But thou, my dear 
friend, hast known that Light which is " above the 
brightness of the sun" in its noon-day splendour. It 
has shown thee thy tlioughts and thy d&sires, and the 
objects of them. And among these, it has distinguish- 
ed between the 'precious and the vile; and has enabled 
thee to> choose the former. Its nature and effects prove 
it to be a '^ight from heaven:" for sun-shine (thou 
knowest) never showed a iJiouglit, nor revealed an 
affection. 

But notwithstanding it is a common privilege of the 
human family to know this Light, and the objects it 
discovers and distinguishes, — yet how easily are they 
" blinded by the god of this world!" Its pomp and its 
glitter delude them into the persuasion, that the good 
which they are seeking, will be found in them: but 
they perish, and leave their worshippers disappointed 
and disconsolate. " Ye have taken away my gods 
which I have made, — and what have I more?" 

May I not congratulate my beloved friend, even 
upon the distressing dispensations to which she has 
been subjected, — in as far as they have been instru- 
mental in rending this vail, — and disclosing to her 
mental sight the blessed vision of the "mercy seat," 
and the true " cherubims of glory which overshadow 
it; — and the real " altar" upon which the animal sacri- 
fices are made, that reconcile the soul to its Creator, 
and constitute the true atonement which restores it to 
an union with the Divine harmony, which God pro- 
nounces good, — because it is so. When I have sat be- 



j 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 263 

side thee, and have witnessed with tremulous sympa- 
thy, thy tender frame twinging with spasmodic pain; — 
when I have heard the deep sighs of thy suffering, but 
patient bosom; — I have found it impossible to believe, 
that these visitations were the messengers of cruelty to 
such an one as thou art; — but rather, that the Father 
of mercies was treating thee as a beloved daughter, 
whom he was gradually weaning from every tie — to 
every things but his own " excellent glory," — his own 
surpassing beauty. How gladly would my misdeem- 
ing affedtion have shielded thee from affliction! But 
my powers were as limited as my judgment; and I 
was prevented from arresting the progress of those 
operations, by v/hich it was intended by infinite Good.- 
ness to refine, exalt, and beatify thy innocent spirit. 

I have had a long travel since I saw thee; and was 
favoured through all the changes of time, place, and 
circumstances, with a cheering consciousness that I 
was in the path of my duty. I returned to my precious 
family on the 12th instant, and found them all in good 
health, with an affectionate welcome for their long ab- 
sented wanderer. Thy letter of 1st inst. w^as handed 
me in Philadelphia, and it was cordially acceptable. 
It would, however, have been doubly so, could it have 
contained the pleasing information that thy health was 
restored. The present which accompanied it, I shall 
make my constant associate; not that I stand in need 
of its aid to put me in mind of the donor, for the idea 
is indelibly imprinted upon my heart by the stronger 
agency of christian love. 



264 MEMOIR OF EDWARD STABLER. 

Assure thy parents, brothers and sister, and also thy 
cousin, of my kind remembrance of them. If thou 
knew how much satisfaction I receive from thy letters, 
I think thy kindness would induce thee to write again 
soon and frequently to thy friend, 

Edward Stabler. 

The following letter w^as addressed to his eldest 
daughter, (now^ deceased) who was then married, and 
living at the village of Waterford, in the State of Vir- 
ginia. * 

Alexandria, Fourth-day, the 10th of 11th mo., 1830. 

My dear Elizabeth's letter addressed to me in Bal- 
timore, was duly received; and it afforded me so much 
satisfaction that I would have acknowledged it from 
there, if the business of the Yearly Meeting had ad- 
mitted of it. I felt thankful for the degree of health 
which my dear child had been favoured with, among 
so many sick ones, and that her only attack of disease 
had been of so mild a character. 

Thy letter received to-day, informs me of thy dear 
little son's having the whooping cough. Several of 
my children had it at this season of the year, — and, as 
well as I remember, more favourably than some of the 
others who had it in the spring. I hope it will turn 
out as favourably for thy little boy. 

My health has not been very good, since my return 
from my northern visit last summer. I have had 
several returns of slight disease; and latterly, the 
erysipelatous eruption (which thou mayst remember 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 265 

succeeded the long illness with my hand and arm) 
has broken out again with is accustomed violence. 
These impediments will prevent me from attending 
our next Quarterly meeting; but I expect there will 
be no scarcity of ministers. George Hatton and Han- 
nah Parker will probably be there; and as Daniel 
Quinby expected to be with us on the first of this 
week, and did not come, I have thought it a possible 
case, that he may also have felt a concern to be pres- 
ent at the Quarterly meeting, and have directed his 
course accordingly. 

We all particularly regret the occurrence of whoop- 
ing cough, as a messenger forbidding thy visit to us; 
as we were anticipating with great pleasure the pros- 
pect of having thee with us for a few weeks. But 
we must submit; and if w^e can do it under the full 
persuasion that He, whose Divine Providence is in all 
things actuated by infinite goodness, — orders and ar- 
ranges all the concerns of time for the best, we shall 
find it easier to submit than to murmur. My warm- 
est love salutes thee, my beloved child, with earnest 
desires for thy preservation from all that can hurt or 
destroy, as respects both mind and person. My love 
is to Joseph and the dear little boy, and all my friends. 
I am thy afiectionate father, 

Edward Stabler. 

The following remarks occur in a letter to an inti- 
mate friend, dated the 1st of the 10th mo. 1830. 

I rejoice, my beloved brother, in the evidences 
which are bursting forth all over the world, that the 
23 



266 MEMOIR OF EDWARD STABLER. 

minds of the human family are expanding beyond the 
restraints of superstition and selfish bigotry; and that 
the spirit of inquiry in all the interesting departments 
of human knowledge, is rapidly eliciting truths of all 
sorts; which, advancing in the mightiness of their own 
irresistible power, are crushing into annihilation the 
pigmy strength of false science and false religion. — 
"I have just found out such a thing," (said the illus- 
trious Paschal when a boy,) '- and that is the reason 
why I am trying to find out what I am now attempt- 
ing." He was pursuing mathematical truths, with- 
out a teacher, and without books, and without any 
knowledge of even mathematical terms; but he had 
found some truths, and the discovery was so delight- 
ful that he was ardently in search of others. And 
is not religious truth (the mighty agent by which the 
soul is made capable of ascending from earth to hea- 
ven,) more lovely, more interesting, more important, 
than mathematical truth? How then can it be other- 
wise, than that the discoveries which are made, and 
making in this department, shall also ravish with their 
beauty, and enrapture with their delights, — and cause 
the minds which perceive them " to mount up with 
wings as eagles, — to run and not be weary, to walk 
and not faint?" 



The first of the following communications, is an 
extract from a letter to an acquaintance, who had 
requested information in regard to the effects of their 
known temperance, on the Society of Friends. 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 267 

The present appears to be a proper occasion to 
state, that the attention of Baltimore Yearly Meeting 
had been, many years before, first called to a consid- 
eration of the unnecessary use of ardent spirits, by 
our friend the late Evan Thomas, a valued minister 
residing in Baltimore. Through a long life, he bore 
a clear and consistent testimony against the unneces- 
sary use of inebriating drinks, by entirely abstaining 
from them; and, a short time before his decease, in 
a communication addressed to the Yearly Meeting, he 
stated that for the last sixty years of his life, he had 
not, to his knowledge, taken one drop of distilled spi- 
rits as a beverage. Many others had seen, with him, 
the evils of this practice, and found safety in personal 
obedience to their convictions; but he felt an obliga- 
tion to go further, and call the attention of his friends 
generally to the concern. The subject became one 
of serious deliberation, in the first place, by the mem- 
bers of his own meeting; then, within a wider range; 
and at length throughout the Society. It worked its 
way by the mild force of example and precept, until, 
like the gentle rising of the tide, the whole Yearly 
Meeting was covered with its influence. 

Alexandria, 8th mo. 23rd, 1830. 
The letter of my friend W. C. came to hand just 
after my return from an absence of nearly three 
months; and a number of concerns which necessarily 
engaged my attention, have prevented me from reply- 
ing to it until the present time. 



268 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 

The experience of the Society of Friends has 
proven to their satisfaction, not only that ardent spi- 
rits are unnecessary, as a drink, to promote health, 
cheerfulness, or prosperity, — but that all these, and 
righteousness in all other respects, flourish best, and 
are more easily practiced by refraining from their use 
altogether. We have few statistical accounts, that 
relate to the subject. The record of births and deaths 
is perhaps the only one; but as life is prolonged or 
shortened by many other circumstances besides the 
use or disuse of ardent spirits, it does not seem to me 
that a record of that kind could be of much use in 
furnishing arguments or illustrations. But it is nev- 
ertheless practically true, that innumerable calamities 
are successfully fenced off from the Society, by the 
bulwark of temperance in relation to this article. I 
have known the Society long; and as far as I can be 
deemed a dispassionate witness, I am prepared to tes- 
tify, that I have not known any other which contained 
(in the same number) so large a proportion of tran- 
quil, prosperous, and happy people. I have not been 
unmindful to trace these most desirable effects to their 
causes; and it appears to me, that the Society has 
been indebted for this delightful pre-eminence, to the 
experimental nature of their education. The atten- 
tion of their children and fellow members has been 
directed, not to theories, but to things: and while some 
have been contented with speculation, they have been 
more or less engaged to practice " righteousness and 
temperance;" and their tranquillity and comfort, indi- 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 269 

vidually and collectively, have always been propor- 
tioned to their faithfulness. 

The existence of the Society of Friends has been 
in some degree important to the world, by exhibiting 
an example of the effects, to a certain extent, of prac- 
tical righteousness. Had the example been perfect 
in them, or in any other people, the effect would have 
been overwhelming; and would long since have set- 
tled the question, " upon what part of earth's surface 
the garden of Eden was situated," by showing that it 
existed upon any and every part, where the prac- 
tice of righteousness was perfected. 

I am with much respect thy friend, 

Edwtard Stabler. 

Alexandria, 8th mo. 30th, 1830. 
Very gladly would I be to thee, my dear friend, 
and in myself, all that thy kind partiality supposes 
me to be: but I am humbled under an abiding con- 
iiciousness, " that in me, — that is, in my flesh, dwelleth 
no good thing." Yet there is no cause for discourage- 
ment nor dejection on this account, either to thee or 
to me; — because we can derive from it the certain 
conviction, that " the excellency of all holy power is 
of God, and not of us." This conviction will prepare 
us to abandon all dependance upon ourselves, and in- 
duce us to look to the munificence of Him, to whom 
*• the kingdom, the power, and the glory," exclusively 
belong forever. We are all receivers only, of the 
treasures of his love and goodness. The wisdom and 
knowledge, by which he casts out of our minds the 
23* 



270 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 

evil spirits o^ folly and ignorance, are his own: there- 
fore he tells us '' not to rejoice that the evil spirits are 
subject to us; — but rather, because our names are 
written in heaven.'^ For though the kingdom, the 
power, and the glory, belong to liim alone, — yet the 
effects which they produce in our souls, are ours: — 
and heaven becomes our blessed possession, or habi- 
tation, by means of the '• peace and joy" which are 
wrought in us by the powers of righteousness, that 
are the fruits of the Holy Spirit. 

Lightly as thou seemest to estimate thy importance 
among my correspondents, thy attachment is an in- 
valuable treasure; and all that I can do to deserve 
it, is far below its worth. I will not therefore jjretend 
to merit it; but I will gladly avail myself of its exist- 
ence, and of its tendency to prepare the way for 
mutual confidence, — to call the attention of thy mind 
to those pure and heavenly powers, which have been 
the inmates of thy heart all thy life long. To their 
impulses, thou hast been indebted for all thy joy;— 
and even when, from immaturity of experience, it was 
impossible for thee to advert to their agency, — they 
have nevertheless preserved and protected thee. It is 
equally true, that all the distress which has afflicted 
thee, has issued from other fountains. But, in this 
mingled experience, no strange thing has happened 
to thee. The same trials and experiences have been 
witnessed before thee, by saints and martyrs, prophets 
and apostles. They were assailed by temptations, as 
thou hast been; — they felt them, as thou hast done. 
And their victory over them, \vas by the operations 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 271 

of the self-same Divine and immutable power which 
invites thy innocent spirit, by all its holy and affec- 
tionate impulses, to " come with him from Lebanon; 
to look to him from the top of Amana, — from the top 
of Shenir and Hermon, — from the lions' dens, — from 
the mountains of the leopards." That is, to renounce 
and forsake all earthly dependencies, whether eleva- 
ted and conspicuous, (like the mountains of Lebanon, 
Amana, Shenir, and Hermon.) or abounding in animal 
strength and fierceness, like the lions and leopards. 
And the reason why thou art thus invited, — and the 
proof that the motive is love, — are seen in ihefact. that 
all external things, however exalted and powerful, 
are neither righteousness, goodness, nor truth; nor can 
they produce the effects of these, any more than the 
thorn can produce grapes, or the thistle figs. 

Outward things are indeed good, very good for the 
purposes they w^ere intended to answer: but the im- 
mortal spirit cannot derive its solace nor its sustenance 
from them. But there is most really a '- tree of life,*' 
the fruits of w^hich are ordained and qualified to satis- 
fy its cravings, and to supply all its necessities. This 
tree of life is "Christ, the power of Ood, and the wis- 
dom of God,'^ "manifested in the flesh;" in thy flesh, 
and in mine, and in the flesh of all mankind. He 
comes in unspeakable mercy, to " convince the world 
of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment;" — and "to 
bless us, by turning every one of us from our iniqui- 
ties." Oh! how great is that delusion which teaches, 
and believes, that Christ can be limited or confined to 
one blessed person, — or to one age of the world ! See- 



272 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 

ing the scriptures testify that he is " the same yester- 
day, to-day, and forever;" — and that he is "the true 
Light, that lighteth every man that cometh into the 
world." 

The bright assemblage of pure and living energies 
which are found in every human soul, are luminous 
witnesses of his presence there; and these " constitute 
the " Lord's host" of " ministering spirits" (to which 
the apostle alludes) " that are sent forth to minister 
for them that shall be the heirs of salvation." Under 
the shadow of this heavenly tree of life, the soul can 
•^ sit with great delight, and his fruits will be sweet to 
her taste. She will be taken to his banqueting-house, 
and his banner over her will be love." 

These things are not mysteries, but are most surely 
realized in every mind, in proportion as its " meat 
and drink" are love, joy, peace, gentleness, goodness, 
truth, &c. (And they are " sweet to its taste," as 
undeniably as their opposites, — hatred, sorrow, conten- 
tion, fierceness, wickedness, falsehood, &c. are bitter 
and loathsome.) 

" I know, I know," that these will last, 
Their joy, — their peace, will ne'er be past. 

Thy dear parents are embraced in my fraternal 
affection, and saluted with the remembrance of my 
family and myself. Thy filial attachment, and the 
stream of reciprocal love which flows to thee from my 
heart, are more estimable than gold, or pearls, or any 
worldly treasure, to thy affectionate friend, 

Edward Stabler. 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 273 

Alexandria, 9th mo. 2nd, 1830. 

To say that I have often thought of thee, my dear 
friend, and of all my friends at and about B., would 
be common-place^ and would by no means convey an 
idea of that earnestness of affection with which you 
have been remembered. 

I was favoured to arrive safely at my dear home on 
the 12th of last month, and to find my beloved domes- 
tic circle in good health, — and still possessed of unim- 
paired affection for their long absented wanderer. Our 
meeting was mutually joyful; and my heart was filled 
with thankfulness to the merciful Author of our being, 
for the great blessings contained in the interchange of 
even domestic love. Oh! who that has ever felt them, 
can doubt that they are real? and that there is an 
eternal distinction between the source from which they 
flow, and the doleful fountain of sighs, and tears, and 
agonies? But, alas! the latter also are too real to be 
disputed; and hoth, as effects, give self-evidence that 
there are causes which produce them. The existence 
of the tree is known by its fruits, as well as its kind. 

We are sent into this world to philosophize, (to learn 
the dictates of wisdom,) in relation to these realities, in 
which our interest is so gvedit, forever; (that is perpet- 
ually, both in time and eternity.) And in this school, 
all is practical; and truth is not left to be determined 
by the uncertain glancings of the imagination, or the 
wayward reasonings which embrace them for a foun- 
dation; but facts, which are always true, arise in 
countless multitudes around us, and by them we are 
inspired with certain knowledge. All the verities of 



274 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 

Ufe, in the diversified modes of vegetable, animal, and 
spiritual, — each seeking its appropriate food in its pro- 
per field of existence, and bringing forth forms and 
consequences corresponding with its nature, — are ex- 
emplifications of the "thousand thousands" which min- 
ister to our heavenly Father, to impart to his children 
the infallible knowledge of the Truth, in all the vari- 
ous relations in which they are interested, either as 
inhabitants of the world o^ matter, or o^ mind. For, in 
respect to loth, he is gracious, and he is kind. All of 
us, in certain stages of experience, are disposed as 
Abraham was when in the same state, to petition for 
the life and felicity o^ that hi7ih which is "after the 
flesh." "Oh! that Ishmael might live before thee." 
And the prayer is granted, even in respect to that. 
" Behold I have blessed him, and will make him fruit- 
ful, and will multiply him exceedingly." And so, we 
see it is now, as well as formerly. The same un- 
changeable mercy continues to bless, and to multiply 
the natural creature and his enjoyments, though his 
living is procured in the wilderness of this world, — 
and his selfish propensities and wants cause " his 
hand to be against every man, and every man's hand 
against him." For we see that the very nature of 
worldly benefits is exclusive. That which I eat, and 
drink, and wear, no other person can use in the same 
way, without excluding me. But it is joyfully the re- 
verse, in respect to the good things which appertain to 
him that is " born after the Spirit." 

Thou and thy dear parents, and sister, and S. P., 
witnessed more than once, in company with our be- 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 275 

loved friends, that there was no power either felt or 
desired, to monopolize 'purity of heart, — or meekness, — 
or gentleness, — or kindness, — or love; but we all per- 
ceived with gladness, that the aboundings of any one, 
so far from impoverishing the rest, increased the mea- 
sure of each one's possession; and, like the beautiful 
emblem, sun-sliine, the more each one had, the more it 
abounded unto all. 

These precious things, my young friend, are worthy 
of all attention, to be cultivated and cherished; for they 
also will increase and multiply, until, like the patri- 
archs of old, we may have jiocks and herds of thern^ 
and become exceedingly rich in heavenly treasures, 
which '' moth and rust cannot corrupt, nor thieves 
break through and steal. ^' Here, I am sure we may 
all see the everlasting goodness of the God of love, and 
perceive his readiness to make us affluent in the pre- 
cious things of his kingdom, inasmuch as he gives 
them to us unasked, and only requires on our part 
that we should receive and cherish them. And this 
was the prophet's view, when he said, "And it shall 
come to pass in that day, that a man shall nourish a 
young cov) and two sheep; and for the abundance of 
milk that they shall give, he shall eat butter; for but- 
ter and honey shall every one eat that is left in the 
land." By this beautiful and accurate symbol, he 
shows the felicitous consequences of receiving and 
nourishing the "good and perfect gifts" of our Divine 
Benefactor. 

This will be made even more plain, by reversing 
the statement, and substituting a young lion and two 



276 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 

tigers to be nourished, instead of the gentle, profitable, 
and harmless natures of the cow and the sheep. No 
rational understanding can for one moment hesitate to 
believe, that devastation and destruction, instead of hut- 
ter and honey, would be the result of such a disastrous 
choice. Well, — it is even so with every one who 
nourishes the pure and gentle, — or the fierce and de- 
structive, tempers which characterize the different ani- 
mals above mentioned. 

I am aware that I have not deserved that thou 
shouldst write to me soon; nevertheless I desire it. 
And perhaps I may venture to plead in excuse for my 
tardiness in repaying the debt which thy last letter 
placed me under, — the long journey that I have per- 
formed, — a multitude of concerns that engaged my at- 
tention upon my return, — and my crippled hand. But, 
after all, I would incomparably rather depend upon 
thy aiTection to dictate when thou shouldst write to me, 
than upon any sense of debt or obligation. My love 
to S. P., and to E. K. when thou seest her. To the 
former, thou mayst give the perusal of this letter, and 
she may read it as if addressed to herself. My affec- 
tionate remembrance to my other friends who may in- 
quire after thy very affectionate friend, 

Edward Stabler. 

Alexandria, 9th mo. 8th, 1830. 

I arrived at my home, my dear C, on the 12th of 

last month, and found all the beloved inmates of my 

domestic circle in good health, and prepared to receive 

their wanderer with as much affection as ever. And 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 277 

my enjoyments have sometimes enabled me to say with 
the psalmist, " My lines have fallen in pleasant places: 
I have a goodly heritage.'' How certain it is, that 
this pleasant state of things is abundantly more depen- 
dant upon the state of the mind, than upon outward 
condition ! And could thy friend always maintain per- 
fect fidelity to the best of Masters, he might witness a 
perpetual increase of capacity to receive, in still in- 
creasing proportions, those treasures which are out of 
the reach of moth, rust, or thieves. 

The human mind may be compared to a household 
constituted of many persons; and, if all of them were 
fierce, angry, unjust, cruel, proud, and hateful, — is it 
not self-evident that they would necessarily be miser- 
able, — though their habitation were the most splendid 
of palaces, — and the revenues of the world were ap- 
propriated to supply their necessities? But, change 
their mental condition, and render them gentle, kind, 
just, merciful, humble, and affectionate; — and though 
their habitation were a mud-walled cottage, with bread 
and water only for their food, — they would necessarily 
be happy. These heavenly powers would render every 
place pleasant^ and every heritage goodly. How un- 
speakably important it is, then, to cultivate and cherish 
one class of these principles, and to suppress the other! 
Thy gentle spirit, my dear friend, has partaken largely 
of the benefits resulting from this culture; and thou 
hast been sustained in quietude, by these celestial 
friends to the humble soul, under circumstances that, 
in opposite conditions, would have produced unmitiga- 
ted agony. And I have no doubt, that thou canst join 
24 



278 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 

with me, in wondering that any rational being should 
ever have believed that doctrines and opinions were of 
sufficient importance to claim, and receive so large a 
portion of the devoted attention of intelligent creatures; 
when it is evident to every person's experience, that 
joy and sorrow, happiness and misery, are invariably 
the effects of living powers; and that doctrines and 
opinions have no more actual influence in the concern, 
than the philosophical notions of men have in estab- 
lishing the order of the universe; by which all its phe- 
nomena are produced and regulated, from the smallest 
vegetable or insect, up to the planets in their courses, 
and the stupendous arrangement of revolving worlds. 

What a blessed thing it is, that mankind are not 
left without these powerful matter-of-fact witnesses to 
those truths, in which we are all so deeply interested ! 
They are, in my apprehension, the host of angels which 
are sent forth by " Christ, the power and wisdom of 
God," to gather us from the four winds;— 3/rom the ut- 
termost parts of ear//i, /o the uttermost parts oiheaven,^^ 
That is, they are the influences of Divine power and 
wisdom, to redeem and save the souls of the children 
of men from their vassalage to " the wisdom which is 
from beneath, that is earthly, sensual and devilish;" — 
and to place them under the patronage of that " which 
is from above, — which is pure, — peaceable, — gentle,^ — 
and easy to be entreated, — full of mercy, — and full of 
good fruits, — without partiality, — and without hypoc- 
risy." For these are but diflerent modes of describing 
the same heavenly realities; and blessed are they who 
are not offended at that manifestation of the Divine life 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 279 

in them, which visits and operates, in this way, upon 
them, in order to make them " partakers of his Divine 
nature.'' 

" Let not thy heart be troubled" at the ^' wars and 
rumours of wars," in the professing religious world; 
nor at " the sea and the waves roaring, — and men's 
hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after the 
things that are coming upon the earth, ^^ For all these 
things must take place, for the fulfilment of the Divine 
purpose in thee, — in me, — and in all intelligent crea- 
tures; that *^ the things which can he shaken^' may be 
removed; and those only which cannot be shaken, may 
remain. For, as the former are removed out of their 
place, the veil (which is constituted of them) becomes 
rent; and then we can " see the King in his beauty," 
and in his goodness, — and in his " great glory." And 
though " the kindreds of the earth" may " mourn be- 
cause of him;" yet the emancipated spirits (liberated 
like Lazarus from his grave-clothes) shall come forth, 
children of a glorious resurrection, — and shall rejoice 
with joy unspeakable. 

I shall be very glad to hear from thee soon, if it 
shall please thee to indulge me with such a favour. 
And if thy dear parents and thyself will make up your 
minds to come to our next Yearly Meeting, and from 
there to Alexandria, many hearts will be made glad, 
as well as mine. And why need you confine your- 
selves? You have enough of the good things of this 
world; and I think the journey would be of use to 
all of you, besides doing what you are all so fond of, 



280 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 

making your friends happy. Thy little namesake is in 
fine health, and as sprightly as a bird. My best love 
salutes thy beloved parents, thyself, and all my friends. 
Farewell ! 

Edward Stabler. 

Alexandria, 10th mo. 1st, 1830. 

" There are diversities of gifts," my dear friend, 
" but the same Spirit; differences of administrations, 
but the same Lord; diversities of operations, but it is 
the same God that worketh all in all.*' And what an 
unspeakable favour it is, when we can distinguish be- 
tween the precious donations and operations of our 
heavenly Father, and the words or imaginings of the 
human mind concerning them! From the former , 
which are living and powerful, all sorts of blessings 
and preservations are experienced. While from the 
latter^ the children of men have never reaped any bet- 
ter harvest, than sects and divisions, — oppositions and 
contentions. 

When we yield ourselves in subjection to the Divine 
operations, which work in us by his gifts, and produce 
the whole form and substance of his administration, we 
are then really conforming to the Divine will. And 
whether we are in sickness or in health, — at home or 
abroad, — in affluence or in poverty, — this conformity 
will occasion the greatest possible good to grow out of 
our present condition. And though that condition may 
be compared to a "wilderness and solitary place," it 
shall become " glad for us,-^and the desert shall re- 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 281 

joice, and blossom as the rose," — by reason of those 
blessed influences of creating and redeeming power, 
which in the beginning constructed this beautiful out- 
ward universe, out of the " formless void" which was 
shrouded in darkness. 

If I am not mistaken in my estimate of thy expe- 
rience, thou hast passed " through much mental tribu- 
lation." Thy state has often appeared like a wilder- 
ness and solitary place; and it has seemed to thy 
anxious spirit, as if thou wast surrounded only by such 
tempers and propensities as are natural to the " wild 
beasts of the desert." But this experience has taught 
thee the nature and tendencies of these tempers and 
propensities, — which no eloquence of description could 
have shown thee without their agency. And as the 
precious " blood of Christ" (which is his life, — and the 
spring or fountain of all holy tempers and propensities) 
has been shed abroad in thy heart, thou hast thereby 
(and there is no other way possible) practically known 
the true Author of thy salvation, — the way of his w^ork- 
ing; — and that he has indeed, by the touches of his 
love^ removed hatred far from thee, — and by his joy^ 
displaced thy sorrow; — and that he is capable and dis- 
posed, in like manner, and by powers equally effect- 
ual, to wash all the robes of thy spirit, and make them 
white, and free from all the stains and defilements of 
unrighteousness. 

If I have formed a true judgment of thy experience, 
thou hast abundant cause to "hold fast thy confidence" 
in the everlasting kindness and sufficiency of that Di- 
24* 



282 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 

vine life, which has revealed its wisdom and power' in 
thee; and thy Saviour has thus far proved himself, by 
his works, to be both willing and able to accomplish 
all that remains to be done for thy entire redemption. 

I was favoured to finish the work to which I believed 
myself called last summer, to the entire relief of my 
own mind; and was restored to my beloved family on 
the 12th of the-8th month. I found them all in health, 
and prepared to receive their long absented wanderer 
with their accustomed fullness of affection. And, 
through Divine mercy, my mind has been so peaceful 
since my return, that I have been able in a measure 
to adopt the language of the psalmist, " My lines have 
fallen in pleasant places; I have a goodly heritage." 
But what could the world do for me, with all its trea-. 
sures and glories, without the favour and mercy of 
Him who can alone give peace? May I therefore 
be enabled by his power to do every thing that he re- 
quires, both in acting and suffering, that his will may 
be accomplished in me, at home and abroad, and in 
all things. 

I can with confidence assure thee, that I should be 
as much pleased to visit my beloved friends in Jersey, 
as they would be to receive me; but I wish not to go 
in my own will, or from selfish motives, both for their 
sakes and my own. In the mean while, let us be con- 
tented to love one another, as our heavenly Father 
hath loved us; and then, whether we ever personally 
meet again or not, all will be well; for we shall reap 
the rich fruits of love, which will be a feast indeed. 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 283 

Please to present my affectionate remembrance to thy 
dear parents, and to Friends of 3^our village, — and re- 
ceive a share for thyself from thy affectionate friend, 

Edward Stabler. 



Alexandr'a, 11th mo. 5th, 1830. 

The return of our welcome visiters to Baltimore, 

affords me an opportunity, my dear cousin, to attempt 

a due acknowledgment of the favour thou conferred 

upon me by thy letter of 5th ult. 

The dispiriting influences of disease hung about me 
for some time after my return from attending your 
Quarterly meeting, — so as to disqualify me for wri- 
ting, even to those I love. Thy letter, however, would 
have afforded a salutary and efficient stimulus to have 
replied to it forthwith, but I had to leave home; and 
since then, my northern tour and the Yearly Meeting, 
thou knowest, have both intervened to occupy my at- 
tention. Here I am however at last, again venturing 
my feeble powers upon the boundless ocean of thought 
and affection, to ascertain if I can meet with any thing 
that can encourage or instruct thee. What an ex- 
panded field is spread before us, abounding with num- 
berless realities which are capable of imparting both 
pleasure and instruction ! And why is it that the sen- 
sitive and intelligent sons and daughters of men derive 
so small and such fugitive enjoyments from a scene so 
rich and abundant? Is it not because their attention 
is absorbed, and their affections too exclusively occu- 
pied with the things w^hich are manifested by their na- 
tural faculties? Their immortal and intelligent spirits 



284 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 

(which are capable of feeding on " angel's food," and 
of " shining as the stars forever and ever,") become 
hereby engaged in groping among the dust of the earth 
for the ''pearl of great price," — the rich treasure of 
perpetual happiness! It is a most interesting and im- 
portant inquiry, why it is so? and experience must 
furnish the clue to the investigation. 

The outward world presents allurements that are 
visible and palpable. They furnish gratifications to 
the natural senses, and afford pleasures which never 
were disputed. They are the first class of things of 
which we are conscious; and we behold kindreds, na- 
tions, tongues and people bowing before them. But 
the fact is too often overlooked or not duly appreciated, 
that these enjoyments are evanescent, — easily inter- 
rupted, — and, at most, only minister to that portion of 
our being which is transient and perishable like them- 
selves. There is, however, another region of certain- 
ties, to which all mankind have equal access, — which 
appertains to the immortal part of our existence, and 
the realities of which are as durable as itself But we 
are all in succession so fascinated with the former, that 
they are like the veil of the Jewish temple which in- 
terposed between the people and the Holy of holies, — 
where the altar of the covenant, and the cherubims 
of glory overshadowing the mercy seat, — and the 
golden pot that had manna, — and Aaron's rod that 
budded, &c., were continually present; but were as 
entirely concealed from the perception of the general 
mass of the Jews, as if they had not existed. And it 
is no less certain, that there is in every human soul 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 285 

an antitype of all these things. There is a Holy of 
holies, where the Divine presence is exhibited as a 
Judge, a Teacher, and a Saviour. And there is an 
altar, upon which those sacrifices of outward things 
are offered, which reconcile or restore us to the Divine 
harmony. And there are clieruUms of glory, which 
consist of all those heavenly powers that are divinely 
appointed as agents of the Father of mercies, to minis- 
ter for our redemption and salvation. And there is 
heavenly manna, upon which the soul can feed, and be 
nourished up unto eternal life; and this is constituted 
of all the "fruits of the Spirit;" namely, "love, joy, 
peace, gentleness," &c. And Aaron's rod that budded 
is» a striking symbol of that resurrection to which 
Christ alluded when he said, " though he were dead, 
yet shall he live;" for the soul, being reanimated by 
the life of God (to which it had died by a vassalage to 
the world) again brings forth the peaceable fruits of in- 
nocence and righteousness, which are as natural to it 
as almonds were to the rod of Aaron, 

But all these precious things are hidden by the veil 
of carnal attachments and terrestrial interests; and 
they are not discerned; though they are of greater 
consequence to every human soul than all other things 
put together. But an apostle has assured us, that this 
"veil is done away in Christ." And accordingly, as 
many as become subject to the government of the Di- 
vine life manifested in them, are instructed and enabled 
by it to "crucify the flesh with the lusts thereof;" and 
by this process, the veil becomes gradually " rent from 
the top to the bottom," and all the glorious certainties 



286 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 

of another world (with which they had always been 
connected without noticing it) beam out as conspicu- 
ously as that with which they had previously been 
conversant. And the scriptures which speak of these 
precious truths, become opened to their understandings 
by their becoming acquainted with the things recorded 
there. And they know them to be true, by an evi- 
dence infinitely more certain than all the assurances 
to be derived from criticism, history, or credulity. 

This is the religion that I wish thee to seek after 
and enjoy. A religion consisting of vital energies, — 
the origin of which is Divine; for God is its author, 
and Infinite Wisdom its contriver. Oh ! how poor and 
feeble is the absurd theology of man, when its doctrines, 
notions, and creeds are compared with the living streams 
of wisdom, goodness, and power, which issue and come 
forth from before Him whose throne is heaven, and the 
earth his footstool! but who nevertheless condescends 
to dwell with the humble and contrite ones, in order to 
change the "wilderness (of mind) into an Eden, — and 
the desert into a garden of the Lord." 

I intended to send this by our friends H. and E., but 
business interfering, prevented me from finishing it in 
time. They left us this morning, and have gone, sur- 
rounded with our love and best wishes. They have 
afforded us great pleasure by their visit. Present my 
affectionate salutation to thy father, mother, and sis- 
ters, and receive for thyself a full share from thy af- 
fectionate friend, 

Edward Stabler. 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 287 

Alexandria, 11th mo. 9th, 1830. 
It is now more than a month since I received thy 
last acceptable tribute of affection from Philadelphia. 
I have been there since, and on my way, at Wilming- 
ton, I heard with much satisfaction, that your moun- 
tain journey had been of great service to thy health. 

My visit to the north was for the purpose of taking 
a dear daughter to a female school at West Chester; 
and thence I went to Philadelphia, and had the plea- 
sant company of many dear friends to our Yearly 
Meeting at Baltimore. I enjoyed my visit (though a 
short one) to Philadelphia, where there are so many 
dear ones, — between whom and myself, the cords of 
love are strong, and thickly woven. And among them 
is my beloved young friend, who is also an object of 
thy tender attachment. May I not adopt the apostle's 
language in relation to a similar circumstance ? "I 
have no greater joy, than to hear that my children 
walk in the Truth.'' And as you walk in the Truth, 
it will beautify you, and render you lovely in each 
other's sight; and what is of still greater moment, and 
more desirable than all other things, — it will make 
you happy: — and how ardently does my heart covet 
that you may be durably, permanently happy! Can 
such a wish be formed, and sincerely felt in the mind 
of a poor frail being like myself? And shall it be 
supposed that it does not exist, in proportionate pleni- 
tude, in that infinite and perfect Being, whose children 
you are in reality? It would be profanation indeed, 
to accredit such a suggestion. From the first of my 
acquaintance with thee, I saw, and was delighted to 



288 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 

see, the marks of His presence with thee. And though 
it may often have appeared to thee, that thy path was 
thorny and perplexed, — yet, according to thy own 
beautiful quotation, these wounds have elicited fra- 
grance^ and "breathed sweetness out of woe." 

I have often admired the justness and applicability 
to human nature, of the figure of the " Holy of holies" 
in the Jewish tabernacle; — wherein was the " altar of 
the covenant," — and 'Hhe cherubims of glory, over- 
shadoAving the mercy seat;" — and "the golden pot that 
had manna," — and "Aaron's rod that budded," &;c. 
But all these were concealed from the Jews hy a veil; 
so that, though they were there in the utmost reality, 
the multitude could not see them because of its inter- 
position. " These were figures for the time then per- 
sent;" but their antitype is perennial. It existed 
then, — and it still exists. For every soul is designed 
and constructed by the heavenly Architect for a "holy 
of holies," — -where he manifests his Divine presence 
as a Judge, — a Saviour, — and a Helper in every need- 
ful time. And there is the altar, upon which the sacri- 
fices of outward things are offered, which reconcile (or 
restore) us to the Divine harmony. And there are the 
cherubims of glory, shadowing the mercy seat, which 
consist of all the powers that minister to our redemp- 
tion or salvation, as agents of Divine mercy. And 
there only, is found the heavenly manna, upon which 
the soul can feed, and be nourished up unto eternal 
life : and this is constituted of all the " fruits of the 
Spirit, — righteousness, — goodness, — and truth." And 
"Aaron's rod that budded," is a striking and accu- 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 289 

rate symbol of that condition of soul, which, after hav- 
ing been long " dead in trespasses and sins," comes to 
witness the resurrection, by a renewal of the Divine 
life: and when thus reanimated, it produces the pre- 
cious fruits of innocence, which are as congenial to it 
when thus vivified, as '' ripe almonds" to the rod of 
Aaron, 

All these glorious things are hidden by the veil of 
carnal attachments and temporal interests; and too 
many of the sons and daughters of men hehold them 
7iot; — -though they possess a certainty of existence, — and 
are of greater consequence to human happiness than 
all other things put together. But we are assured by 
an apostle, that "the veil is done away in Christ:" and 
consequently, it is still true, as it always has been, 
that as many as become obedient to the Divine life, 
(" Christ within, the hope of glory,") are by him en- 
abled and induced to "crucify the flesh with the lusts 
(wrong desires) thereof." And in proportion as this 
process is accomplished, the veil becomes " rent from 
the top to the bottom;" — and ail the blessed certainties 
of another world (with which they have always been 
connected without perceiving it) beam out upon their 
delighted vision, as conspicuously as the realities of the 
material world, with which they had been previously 
conversant. And as the scriptures which mention these 
important truths, are opened to their understandings, 
they become acquainted with the things therein record- 
ed, — and know them to be true, by an evidence infi- 
nitely stronger than all the assurances which can be 
derived from criticism, philosophy, or credulity. 
25 



290 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 

This is the religion, my dear friend, that I wish thee 
to continue to seek after, and enjoy. Its builder and 
maker is thy God, and my God; and it will open his 
kingdom within thee, and make thee a blessed inhabi- 
tant of that state of being, where joy and gladness shall 
maintain an everlasting dominion, ^- and sorrow and 
sighing shall flee away." 

My affectionate remembrance is presented to thy 
father and mother, brothers and sisters, and be assured 
that I shall always rejoice in thy welfare. 

Edward Stabler. 

Alexandria, 11th mo. 22nd, 1830. 
Thy kind and aflectionate letter, which I have pe- 
rused many times since I parted with thee, remains 
yet unanswered. I would gladly make a full return^ 
by adding (if it were in my power) to reciprocal at- 
tachment, an increased knowledge of the means by 
which thy happiness may be enlarged and perfected. 
The things of time have an unquestionable influence, 
to a certain extent, in the all-important concern of hu- 
man happiness. But when I look to these, and to that 
portion of thy being which is connected with them, I 
cannot perceive any deficiency. Thou hast aflection- 
ate and wise parents, brothers, and a sister, and a nu- 
merous train of friends, who love thee tenderly, and 
are beloved by thee; with as much of the good things 
of this world as supply all thy wants. And though I 
may oppose the general sentiment of mankind, I am, 
nevertheless, assuredly persuaded, that the increase of 
these to any possible extent, would most probably in- 



I.3ETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 291 

crease thy perplexity and vexation, but could not en- 
large thy happiness. Thou hast already then, all that 
this world can give thee in relation to the " end and 
aim" of thy existence. But thou art aware from every 
day's experience, that perfect as the operations of these 
things are, in their assigned department, there is a void 
which no amount of temporal possessions can in any 
degree fill or satisfy. This vacuum (like thirsty which 
cannot be slaked by food, — though the latter is a per- 
fect remedy for hunger) proves the existence of appe- 
tites which require something for their gratification 
that the material world cannot supply. Can it be sup- 
posed, that these cravings have no appropriate object? 
Can our heavenly Father have bestowed them for the 
purpose of torment? His beneficence in all other 
cases, demonstrates the impiety and absurdity of such 
a supposition: — and the existence of "another world/' 
abounding in congenial realities, which are as capable 
of satisfying these desires, as food and drink are of al- 
laying hunger and thirst, — is a truth, supported alike 
by reason, scripture, and experience. 

But, unhappily, too many of the children of men do 
not perceive this : and when disappointed of the effects 
which they expected from a smaller accumulation of 
temporal goods, they press after a larger; the acquisi- 
tion of which increases the ardour of desire, instead of 
satisfying it. And in that career, there never was 
found a resting place; but all is ocean, ever fluctuating, 
and always tumultuous ! The soul, in the mean time, 
like the dove sent forth from Noah's ark, finds no re- 
pose, no peace. This produces a condition similar to 



292 MEMOIR OF EDWARD STABLER. 

the state of the Jews when they were visited by the 
Saviour J in a body prepared for the purpose. Their 
attention was altogether absorbed by things extraneous 
from themselves. Their law, their religion, their ob- 
servances, were all outward; and the rewards which 
were promised, and the iienalties \\]i\c[\ were threaten- 
ed, — were all in accordance with the law and the na- 
ture to which they w^ere addressed. But after fulfilling 
all moral and natural righteousness, (which none of 
them could do,) he directed their attention to a " king- 
dom of God within them;" w^hich, according to his 
apostle, consisted "not in word^ but in poiver.^^ It was 
by this power only, that " all righteousness" was ful- 
filled in Jiim: and their dependance upon otlier and in- 
adequate causes, was the reason why none of them 
" fulfilled the law." Much less then, could they ful- 
fil all righteousness by the use of means which were 
unequal to the achievement of the lowest orders of rec- 
titude. Their goodness, therefore, was eminently de- 
fective, and their happiness not more perfect. 

The same consequences necessarily result from 
similar causes in all ages; because human nature is 
always essentially the same, — and principles are un- 
changeable. If an outward law, and religion, and 
usages, could only produce for the Jews a condition so 
degraded and imperfect, they cannot do more for us; 
seeing that they relate only to the outward man — the 
creature of flesh and blood. But the soul (or spiritual 
creature) is an inhabitant of the other world, and ca- 
pable of a sublime intercourse with " Mount Sion, and 
the city of the living God, — the heavenly Jerusalem; 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 293 

and with the innumerable company of angels, — and 
with God the Judge of all, and the spirits of just men 
made perfect, — and with Jesus the mediator of the 
new covenant, — and with the blood of sprinkling that 
speaketh better things than that of Abel.'' 

These are all spiritual realities, congenial with the 
soul, and capable of being perceived by it. And they 
are transiently perceived by thousands who deem them 
common things, because they do not attend to their 
operations, nor mark their tendencies, nor follow their 
incitements. The blessed Jesus, our holy example, 
"was in all points tempted like as we are;'^ but was 
preserved free from sin. And though the commence- 
ment of his earthly career was in a stable, his progress 
was distinguished by a continual increase of wisdom, 
goodness and power; and his end was crowned with 
a triumphant conquest over every principle of evil. 
All this was accomplished by his obedience to that 
eternal, unchangeable Spirit, which '* convinces the 
world of sin, — of righteousness, — and of judgment. '^ 
It is, therefore, by attending to the import of these 
convictions, that we can become " like him,^' and ex- 
perience a similar progress, terminating in the same 
glorious attainment. "Unto him that overcometh, 
will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I 
also overcame, and am set down with my Father in 
his throne.'' 

It is by this process only, that the " heavens become 

opened," and we come to perceive the true import of 

the writings of the holy men of old, in the scriptures; 

and that they do not relate to a world and a kingdom^ 

25* 



294 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 

either outward or afar off; but they are all near at 
hand; even at the ''very door" of our hearts; — accom- 
panying us durmg our daily employments, and as we 
are sitting in our houses, and as we are walking by 
the way, and as we are lying down, and rising up. 
And the Divine visitant (omnipresent to all the cir- 
cumstances which relate to our weal or woe) opens to 
our understandings the good and evil of every con- 
cern, both of mind and body : and blessed are all they 
who lay the government on his shoulders, and are not 
offended in him. 

My best love salutes thy dear parents, brothers, 
and sister; — also, S. P. and all my friends in your 
neighbourhood. For thyself, thou knowest the affec- 
tion which inspires the heart of thy friend, 

Edward Stabler. 

Alexandria, 1st mo. 8th, ISiJl. 

I acknowledge, my dear young friends, that your 
talents for epistolary composition are superior to mine. 
Your last very acceptable letter has demonstrated the 
fact to my satisfaction. But as our intercourse is not 
for the purpose of literary competition, but has (I be- 
lieve) a much nobler aim, a disparity in that order of 
powers is of small comparative importance. 

I think I have perceived in both of you, satisfac- 
tory evidences that you have been with Jesus;-— and 
what if I say, more frequently than you have been 
aware of. For, in the progress of our experience, 
there are many things by which our '' eyes are hold- 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 295 

en/' so that we do not know him; — even when he 
walketh with us by the w^ay that we have chosen, 
and expoundeth to us the true meaning of the scrip- 
tures which are written in living characters upon our 
hearts and understandings. In this way, unquestion- 
ably, the outward scriptures were first inscribed, be- 
fore it was possible for them to have been written in 
books. 

Like the first members of the human race, every 
one of us is placed in a garden abounding with fruits, 
the participation of which, under the pure and inno- 
cent government of the Divine nature, would consti- 
tute an Eden, or state of unmixed enjoyment. We 
are all likewise favoured with a premonition to avoid 
every thing which would mingle evil with our good. 
But, through the seducing presentations of things that 
seem " fair to look upon, — and good for food, — and 
profitable to make one wise," — we all fall, more or 
less, from the innocence in which we were created, 
A new series of inscriptions is thereby made upon our 
minds, the relative meaning of which, it is all-impor- 
tant for us to know. But the condition which ensues 
from our fall, and the sorrow and inquietude which 
attend it, render us incapable of perceiving that it is 
the God of lave who is walking w^ith us, though we 
are going from Jerusalem (the state of peace) to Em- 
maus, (an obscure and despised condition,) and causes 
"our hearts to burn within us," while he opens to 
our understandings the effects which have been pro- 
duced in us, by our misdeeming pursuits of enjoyment. 



296 LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 

This is the state of mind, which has in all genera- 
tions believed and portrayed the Divine Fountain of 
goodness, as angry, fierce, revengeful, and inexorable. 
And such an apprehension most surely "holds our 
eyes" from knowing him as he is; — and ascribes to 
him those features of character, which belong alto- 
gether to the fallen creature; — and in which it is 
impossible that his holy and immutable nature should 
ever have any part. It is, on the contrary, an act 
of his everlasting mercy, to manifest himself in the 
" cool of the day," — when the energy and warmth of 
misplaced desire have subsided, — to call our atten- 
tion to the causes which have operated so mournful 
a change in our condition. If then, like the two dis- 
ciples, we invite him to "abide with us," he will make 
himself known to us in his true character, by blessing, 
breaking, and dispensing to us the bread of life. 

The first and greatest commandment is, to " love 
the Lord our God." But it is self-evident, that it is 
an impossibility to us, while we view him through the 
distorting medium of unrighteousness; — because that 
always represents him " as a hard and an austere mas- 
ter." Such a view may (and does) excite dread and 
terror; — but love, — never! By "his stripes," however, 
we may be infallibly " healed" of all our misappre- 
hensions and false estimates: and he begins to inflict 
them at the commencement of our deviations from 
holy rectitude. O^ these, while they are yet few and 
small, he forms his " w^hip of small cords," to drive 
out of the temples of our hearts all unholy traffickers. 
For, let it never be forgotten, that our destruction is 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 297 

of ourselves, — that it is our " own backslidings that 
reprove us, and our own wickedness that corrects^' us. 
And there can be no other process so effectual to 
make us see that it is an " evil thing and a hitter, that 
we have separated ourselves from the Lord our God.'' 
And when this is demonstrated, if the " wicked man 
will forsake his wickedness, and do those things that 
are lawful and right, — the wickedness he hath done 
shall be remembered no more." It requires no vica- 
rious offering, to reconcile him to his Creator; — no 
punishment of an innocent person for the guilty; — 
(which would be an utter violation of all justice and 
mercy;) but places the punishment according to jus- 
tice, and guided by most merciful kindness, upon that 
which ought to perish, in order that the soul may 
again stand in the Divine image, " holy, harmless, 
and undefiled,'' — by being separated from all sin. 

'' If I wash thee not, (said our holy example,) thou 
hast no part in me.'' But if, with his disciple for- 
merly, we be willing that he wash, not only our feet, 
but our hands, and our heads, — our steps will become 
pure, and our works will become holy, — and all the 
errors of our understandings w^ll be rectified. Then 
shall we '^ see the King in his beauty;" — and he will 
no longer appear as a hard and austere master;^- 
neither will it appear impossible to "love him with 
all the heart,— with all the mind, — and with all the 
strength." 

My paper reminds me that I must soon close this 
communication; but I am unwilling to do it without 
apprising you how much I value your letters: they 



298 MEMOIR OF EDWARD STABLER. 

always refresh my spirit; and, like couriers sent on 
messages of love, they kindle afresh the tender warmth 
of aifection, by which I feel attached to every one of 
your household. 

Edward Stabler. 

On the 10th of the 1st month, 1831, the beloved 
subject of this memoir went to his store as usual, 
though considerably indisposed, and having slept but 
little the night before. His disease increased, and he 
returned to his dwelling. That evening he took a 
light dose of medicine, and kept house the next day. 
On the 12th and 13th, he attended to his business 
again. During these two days, he was employed at 
intervals in writing the following unjinished letter to 
his friend Halliday Jackson, of Darby, in the State 
of Pennsylvania, in reply to one which gave the affect- 
ing account of the death of his wife. We might aL 
most believe, from the appositeness of the language, 
that the writer, when he penned this letter, had a 
presentiment of his own approaching departure, — 
when his spirit would escape from the " dark walls 
of its earthly habitation," and be favoured with a 
view of those spiritual realities, which he believed 
had ravished his friend "with ecstasy and adoration." 

1st mo. 1831. 
My dear Friend, — 

Thy very acceptable letter of the 4th inst. 
is at hand. I had heard of thy great loss by a letter 
from a friend in Philadelphia^ several days before thy 



LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 299 

favour came to hand; and truly my heart did earnest- 
ly sympathize with thee and thy bereaved family. 

I have felt the pangs, and I know the state of the 
widower and the orphan; for I have been both, and ex- 
perienced in all its bitter power the sickness of heart 
which is inseparable from both conditions. I also 
know the goodness of our Almighty Friend and Fa- 
ther, in the fulfilment of the gracious declaration, that 
" he that goeth forth weeping, bearing precious seed, 
shall doubtless return rejoicing, bringing his sheaves 
with him.'^ 

A privation, such as you have sustained in parting 
with one so dearly and so worthily beloved, is of all 
others the most eminently calculated to " remove the 
earth out of her place;" — because it shakes it at its 
dearest point of attachment. Nor is it unreasonable 
or improper to mourn. This we may do without re- 
pining, and without murmuring, or " charging God fool- 
ishly." And then, though this severe and agonizing 
process (like the ploughing of the soil) may lacerate • 
the smooth and long settled surface of the soul's aiFec- 
tions, yet, through the kindness of the " Father of 
mercies," it is thereby prepared to receive the spi- 
ritual seed of his kingdom more deeply into its bosom; 
where, being nourished by the early and the latter 
rain from the same Fountain of mercy, it will bring 
forth its precious ^^ fruit of holiness, and the end ever- 
lasting life." 

From thy very interesting account of the last mo- 
ments of thy beloved companion, I think it altogether 
probable that her joy was so sublime, that (compara- 



SQO LETTER OF EDWARD STABLER. 

tively) it might be said, she felt joy for the first time. 
We who are still connected with time, and around 
whose spirits the dark walls of the earthly tabernacle 
are still compacted by health, and whose views of 
celestial things are shaded by terrestrial attachments, 
are incapable of such a vision of spiritual realities, 
in their unclouded brightness, as ravished her spirit 
with ecstasy and " adoration." 

But when we witness the end of the righteous, in 
a case where all the powers of affection rivet our 
attention to the object, — and where the same powers 
lead us to look back with intense interest on the life 
of one so dear, that has been thus triumphantly 
crowned at its close, — surely the whole scene abounds 
with instruction, and encouragement to persevere in 
a similar path, and not to faint under the frailties and 
weaknesses which are, perhaps, inseparable from a 
probationary and progressive state of being. 

When the blessed Messiah said to his few, and in 
their then condition, feeble followers, " Fear not, lit- 
tle flock; it is your Father's good pleasure to give 
you the kingdom,*' — the nature of that kingdom, and 
the region of its existence, were probably alike un- 
known to them. Like all other human beings in a 
similar state, they could only form conjectures of this 
kingdom, as an unknown region foreign from them- 
selves, and perhaps exclusively the abode of disem- 
bodied spirits. But he had previously told them that 
^^ the kingdom of heaven was within" them; and they 
afterwards found, that notwithstanding their fears and 
all the frailties with which they were environed, they 



MEMOIR OF EDWARD STABLER. 301 

were gradually, but surely, advancing in knowledge 
and in experience. The principles which distinctively 
produced in them all that was good, and all that was 
evil, (like the separation between light and darkness,) 
became more and more conspicuous; and by yielding 
themselves in subjection to the Holy Spirft, which is 
the spring and fountain of all goodness, they were 
enabled to '' speak with new tongues," — to '' cast out 
devils," — to '• take up serpents," — and if they " drank 
of any deadly thing," that it "should not hurt them.'* 
They then perceived (as the eminent Paul afterwards 
stated) that '' the kingdom of God was in power ;^^ — 
that it was not an imaginary city, with walls of pre- 
cious stones and gates of pearl; but consisted of reali- 
ties infinitely more excellent than these terrestrial 
things, (which were only applicable as figures,) and 
possessed the capacity to produce " all righteousness, 
goodness and truth." And as these came to reign in 
them, their language became changed; they no longer 
called evil, good, — nor good, evil; but were enabled to 
call things by names truly descriptive of their natures. 
The same power enabled them to cast out the devils 
of wickedness, evil, falsehood and error; and to take 
up, or use without injury, those powers and affec- 
tions of the mind, which, under the guidance of evil, 
were more venomous and destructive than serpents. 



On the 13th of the month, which was the fifth of 
the week, he attended his meeting, where he was 
silent. In the afternoon, speaking of the subject, he 
26 



302 MEMOIR OF EDWARD STABLER. 

observed, that he would be willing to perform that 
duty so long as one could be found to join with him 
in it; for though, on this occasion, he had not been 
commissioned to speak, yet his mind had been favour- 
ed with deep instruction. 

On the following afternoon, his daughter Anna was 
with him. He was evidently anxious about his dis- 
ease, and the probability that he might soon be taken 
from his family. An awful storm was raging, — the 
measles were in the house, — and the scarlet fever 
was prevailing in Baltimore. He did not seem able 
to bear, silently, the anxieties which this combination 
of circumstances produced, but made frequent obser- 
vations on human suffering. At last, however, his 
mind appeared to rest on the all-sufficiency of Love. 
*' Love," he said, ^' is an Almighty Principle. If I 
were sure you would always love one another, I 
would ask nothing more for you ; — then, brothers 
would protect their sisters, and sisters would encour- 
age their brothers; so that you would never be in 
want of any blessing." 

When his sons came in from business, to the even- 
ing meal, he desired that they would not expose them- 
selves to danger by venturing out again into the 
storm. He was then much indisposed; but the great- 
est affection pervaded his whole deportment; and as 
he stood by the fire with his little children near him, 
he seemed to be clothed with heavenly love. Deeply 
interesting is the remembrance of what he appeared 
to be, on that memorable evening. Impressed with 
the conviction that his disease was malignant in its 



MEMOIR OF EDWARD STABLER. 303 

character, he had completed, in the course of the day, 
some small matters of writing which required his per- 
sonal attention; after which, as all seemed to be done, 
like a faithful servant he awaited the final summons 
to appear before his Master. 

On first-day morning, he was too ill to rise. His 
face, throat, and breast, were covered with a scarlet 
flush, attended with a distressing fever, and symp- 
toms of congestion in the head. A physician was 
called in, who prescribed for him; but the congestion 
seemed to increase; for he slept, under a sense of 
oppression, during the most of the day; although, 
when awaked, his mind was clear. As first-day 
night and second-day forenoon wore away, the dis- 
ease steadily advanced. The writer, who was with 
him in the morning, observed him at one time in 
supplication; but the only words he could distinguish 
were, " Thy will be done.'^ One of his little boys 
being in the chamber, he desired him to go out, lest 
he also might take that '' dreadful disease.^' 

In the afternoon of second-day, a great change for 
the worse took place. The congestion extended to the 
breast, accompanied with delirium and great oppres^ 
sion, both of the lungs and brain. Another physician 
was sent for. On consultation, they directed further 
remedies, which were resorted to without the slightest 
good effect. The beloved sufferer appeared unconscious 
of our intention, when we offered him a dose of medi- 
cine; though he understood us when we spoke to him. 
His breathing now became extremely laborious. — 



304 MEMOIR OF EDWARD STABLER. 

Several of his family, who were old enough, and 
could bear the agonizing trial, were in his chamber; 
together with a few intimate friends who assisted in 
waiting on him. With the exception of a short period, 
the writer was constantly by his bed, endeavouring 
to sooth him and mitigate his sufferings. While en- 
gaged in this painful duty of nursing his sick parent, 
the hand of the writer came in contact with that of 
the invalid, who took hold of it and pressed it feebly, 
but affectionately. An attempt was made to cover his 
hand again with the bed-clothes; but he resisted the 
operation, and made known to us as well as he could 
do, that he was taking his last farewell! He was 
asked if there was any thing in his way; and he 
answered, " No." In a few moments, he inquired 
with great difficulty, as nearly as we could under- 
stand him, " My precious wife, where is she?" The 
object of his. inquiry had retired from the room, over- 
come with distress; but she quickly returned, and sat 
by him. All the other members of the family who 
were at home, and old enough to realize the awful- 
ness of the occasion, came to his bed-side. He seemed 
gratified at having us near; but he recognized our 
presence for a few moments only; for, the great stu- 
por he had been labouring under, returned and closed 
the avenues of intercourse between us and his depart- 
ing spirit. His breathing now became more oppress- 
ed; — the feeble remains of life gave way in the 
struggle; — he fell into a state of perfect ease, — and 
a short time before one o'clock on the morning of the 
18th, he breathed his last! 



\ 



MEMOIR OF EDWARD STABLER. 305 

The scene was solemn beyond description. All 
were bathed in tears; — but we felt assured, by the 
consoling and heavenly calm which covered our spi- 
rits at the time, that the change to him was one from 
mortality to immortal happiness. We sat under the 
covering of this heavenly feeling for a few minutes; 
and then retired from the chamber of death. 

The kindness of our friends and neighbours was 
great and unintermitted, during the sickness of our be- 
loved relative, and after his death. A large number 
of citizens attended his remains to the grave. The 
people of colour, who had found him a kind friend and 
a counsellor, gave evidence of their respect by follow- 
ing in a large body. John Foulke, an ancient Friend 
who has since departed this life, was in Alexandria at 
the time, in the prosecution of a religious visit. He 
delivered, at the grave, a solemn admonition; and 
stated the feeling which had been sealed upon his 
mind, that as the departed had ceased from his la- 
bours, his works would follow him. A few intimate 
friends returned with the family from the grave, and 
mingled in the social circle. The theme of conversa- 
tion was the glorious event which had occurred, — that 
he whom they loved had been called from a world of 
probation, to a state of immutable felicity. 

On the character of Edward Stabler, we may now 

indulge in a few remarks. From the earliest period 

at which his intimate friends became acquainted with 

him, he was amiable, intelligent, sincere. He was 

26* 



306 MEMOIR OF EDWARD STABLER. 

tender-hearted, not only to his fellow-beings, but to the 
lowest creature that fell in his way. 
' With few advantages of literary education, he ac- 
quired a large fund of useful knowledge, which a fine- 
ly improved taste and easy eloquence, enabled him to 
dispense in the most interesting and impressive man- 
ner. Under a due sense of the obligation to provide 
for the sustenance of human life, he engaged in busi- 
ness; and in all his temporal concerns was industrious, 
correct, and prosperous. The leisure that he had 
from business, was employed in the grateful occupa- 
tion of improving his mind, and exerting himself for 
the benefit of others. 

We have seen, that as a husband and a father, he 
was tender and affectionate. Every wish of his family 
was gratified, as far as it appeared consistent with their 
welfare. He was deeply distressed at the sickness of 
each member of his household; and more than com- 
monly anxious while his children passed through those 
ordeals of disease, to which all are subject. On every 
occasion when they w^ere ill, he was nearly unfitted for 
any employment but nursing them. 

His communications in public were exceedingly in- 
teresting; conveying such views of religion as we see 
in his letters, but much more expanded, with such so- 
lemnity, persuasion, and clearness, as generally kept 
his hearers wrapped in profound attention. As much 
as he was admired on this account, he was, perhaps, 
equally interesting and useful in conversation. He 
possessed a lively imagination; — the process of thought 



MEMOIR OF EDWARD STABLER. 307 

was rapid in his mind, — and a full flow of rich lan- 
guage enabled him to pour forth the stores of his heart 
and his understanding, to the delight of those who lis- 
tened to him. It is not strange, that with such ability 
to communicate pleasure and instruction, his company 
should be sought. He was never too much engaged, 
to employ his powers for the instruction and consola- 
tion of the many who visited him in the hours of busi- 
ness, or called to spend an evening with him at home. 
In conversation with his children and other young per- 
sons, his aim was to enamour them of every thing 
good, without appearing to dictate or assume any su- 
periority; and it may well be conceived how earnest 
were the young for enjoyments thus rendered lovely 
in their view. 

From a multitude of letters which were written by 
his youthful acquaintances, and the friends of his riper 
years, we find that he was highly esteemed by all : for 
though there was not so much clearness and depth of 
view in his early, as his later correspondence, yet was 
there always something to be learned; and the warmth 
of his affections lent a charm to every thing that pro- 
ceeded from his pen. 

It is not to be supposed that he was faultless. In 
early life he gave way, at times, to passion; and he 
was probably too much attached at one period to the 
enjoyments of the world : but he had not a single vice, 
and his conduct towards his fellow-beings, both in so- 
cial and commercial relations, was entirely upright. 
The undue excitements of temper, with those occa- 
sional depressions of spirit to which an unusually sen- 



308 MEMOIR OF EDWARD STABLER. 

sitive nervous system rendered him liable, were so far 
overcome by Divine grace, that in the latter part of his 
life, we think he seldom erred in these respects. 

On closing this review and the volume, we may pro- 
fitably reflect for a few moments, on the character of a 
righteous man, — and the principles that conducted him 
safely through trials and distresses, and the more dan- 
gerous path of worldly prosperity, — to the end of his 
pilgrimage. Honesty, and obedience to duty, is the 
sum of the whole. But whence comes the knowledge 
of duty? The scriptures of truth, and the living words 
in the book of man's life, concur in testimony, that 
^Uhere is none good but one; and that is God." From 
him proceeds the light that gives us this knowledge; 
and " that is the true Light, which lighteth every man 
that cometh into the world." 

We may then say, in the language of the lip of 
Truth, *^If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye 
do them,'' As reasonably may we expect to reverse 
the laws of the material world, as to disobey any, 
even the least of his spiritual commands, and be ac- 
cepted with Him, 



APPENDIX. 

The following subject could not well be introduced 
into the body of the narrative, but being interestingly 
connected with the memory of the deceased, we have 
thought best to insert it in this place. 

At the monthly meeting which was held in the 12th 
month of the year 1830, the attendance of religious 
meetings, in regard to which Edward Stabler had 
often been exercised, came before his mind in a very 
impressive manner. He viewed the efforts which had 
been made from time to time to excite the profitable 
attention of his friends to this subject, together with the 
small success, in some cases, which had followed the 
labour bestowed; — and though his heart was affected 
with mourning on the occasion, yet the mantle of hope 
still clothed his spirit, and he proposed that the meet- 
ing should address to each of its members an affec- 
tionate epistle on this important concern. 

The subject was not acted on at that time, further 
than to be considered and referred to a future sitting; 
but before the occurrence of the next meeting, it 
pleased his heavenly Father to call him from works to 
rewards. The matter was however revived, with an 
interest proportioned to the feeling with which it had 
been opened, and the mournful solemnity imparted to 
it by his death; and a joint committee of men and 



310 APPENDIX. 

women Friends, was appointed to prepare such a com- 
munication as they might think suitable. They met at 
several times, and after much interesting conversation, 
agreed upon the following, which was adopted by the 
monthly nieeting, viz : 



An Address from Alexandria Montlily Meeting of 
Friends, to each of its Members. 

Dearly beloved Friends, — 

It is one of the distinguishing characteristics of the spirit 
of Christ, that those who are blessed by lis heavenly influence, 
necessarily feel a desire that all their fellow creatures may be 
alike blessed by it. Under the influence of this feeling, the meet- 
ing has been introduced into a lively concern, on account of those 
of our members who have frequently been absent from our meet- 
ings, when we have felt that we were at the Lord's banqueting 
house, and that his banner over us was Love. A fear, a godly 
fear has arisen, that the cause of this absence might be an undue 
regard for the perishing things of time, by which there is danger 
of those tilings being placed above God in the soul, and of their 
being perverted, from ministers to our wants, into objects of our 
devotion. The Lord will not accept a divided affection; we must 
love him with our whole heart, and with our whole mind. 

We have remembered how it was with the followers of our 
blessed Saviour, immediately after the removal of his outward 
manifestation, when the things of this world were removed from 
their thoughts, and their whole hearts were turned unto Him^ — 
they "all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication," 
'*were all with one accord in one place," and "were all filled with 
the Holy Ghost." Believing, firmly, in the unchangeable nature 
of the love and mercy of our heavenly Father, that it is not con- 
fined to one age or generation of the world, but " is the same yes- 
terday, to-day, and forever," we have a full confidence, that as the 
Lord becomes uppermost in our minds — that as loe love him more 
and the world less, — we shall find it our blessed experience also 
to be profited by being together; — we shall be " with one accord 



APPENDIX. 31 1 

in one place," and witness the overshadowing" of the Holy Spirit. 
Has it not been our experience, that as any event has tended to 
show us the perishing- nature of the things of this world, it has at 
the same time had a tendency to turn our minds to the Lord; — 
to make us desirous of "laying up treasure in heaven?" And in 
proportion as we have been able to feel the love of God to prevail 
over all in the soul, has it not been pleasant to be assembled with 
our brethren and sisters? Have we not then found that he con- 
tinues to be w^ith those who are gathered in his name, however 
few in number; and that his presence is manifested by the break- 
ing" of bread to the hungry soul? 

" By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye 
have love one to another." Here, then, is the true badge of the 
Christian discipleship; and if we do love one another, we shall 
esteem it a precious privilege to meet together in our religious 
assemblies to wait upon God; for the promise remains true, that 
" they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength ; they 
shall mount up witli wings as eagles^ they shall run and not be 
weary, they shall walk and not faint." Blessed privilege! that we 
should thus have our strength renewed, and witness the highest 
and most glorious consolation of which the soul is capable, that of 
drawing nigh unto God and communing with him, by the per- 
formance of our duty. And how strikingly illustrative is this of the 
goodness of God, who, however we may be disposed to view him 
as "an hard master," makes only those things our duty which 
are best for us — which most contribute to our present and ever- 
lasting welfare. 

Let us not then, beloved brothers and sisters, neglect the as- 
sembling of ourselves together for the solemn and interesting pur- 
pose of Divine worship. For, although we are well assured of the 
omnipresence of our heavenly Father, and that acceptable wor- 
ship must be performed in spirit and in truth, without regard to 
time or place, yet in his w^isdora has he made us social beings; 
and "as iron sharpeneth iron, so a man sharpeneth the counten- 
ance of his friend;" and each one being concerned that nothing 
may stand in the way of a free circulation of Divine love amongst 
us, and of our being favoured to witness a union and communion 
of spirit, — we shall become bound together by a bond of peace and 
love, and be one another's help and joy in the Lord. 



312 APPENDIX. 

One of the excellencies of the Gospel dispensation, and one that 
strikingly shows the universal nature of the love of God to raan, 
is, that under this dispensation we are not dependant upon an out- 
ward ministry for instruction in Divine things: the law is not now 
written *' upon tables of stone;" for, " after those days, saith the 
Lord, I will put rny law in their inward parts, and write it in 
their hearts, and 1 will be their God, and they shall be my peo- 
ple: and they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and 
every man his brother, saying, Know thou the Lord: for they shall 
all know me, from the least of them to the greatest of them ; for 
I will forgive their iniquity, and remember their sin no more." 
Need we advert to the fact, established perhaps by all human ex- 
perience, that w^hen objects the most interesting are before our 
minds, we seek for silence in which to examine them; for in that 
state alone can we give them the attention we desire; and in that 
state also the mind is particularly susceptible of impressions from 
the Divine Spirit. 

A concern has also been felt for our younger friends, that they 
may choose the Lord for their portion, and the God of Jacob for 
the lot of their inheritance, and come forward in support of that 
testimony which must soon be left for them alone to bear. And 
we firmly believe, that as they come together under the influence 
of desires for promoting the cause of Truth, they will feel their 
strength renewed. 

Under a measure of the influence of that love which breathes 
" peace on earth and good will to men," the Monthly Meeting is 
concerned at this time to address itself to each of its members, 
holding out the language of invitation — " Come, let us go up to- 
gether to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of 
Jacob, and he wnll teach us of his ways, and we will w^alk in his 
paths;" for " his ways are ways of pleasantness, and all his paths 
are peace." 

Signed on behalf of Alexandria Monthly Meeting of Friends, 
held on the 24th of the 2nd month, 1831, by 



Benjamin Hallowell, ) ^.j^^^^ 
Margaret Hallowell, \ 



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